A NEW Bank Well campaign to help churches to switch to banks that avoid investment in fossil fuels was launched last week.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams had just welcomed several cathedrals’ decisions to move their banking for this reason. It was “excellent news”, he said, “that so many cathedrals have already signalled their willingness to change to more ethically grounded banking options”.
Christian Climate Action, which has been campaigning on the issue, had previously announced commitments by Durham, Southwark, Truro, and Worcester Cathedrals (News, 18 February). Bank Well is an offshoot of the JustMoney Movement’s Just Love Network.
A co-chair of the organisation, Tim Lornie, said: “This is a matter of discipleship, of aligning our financial practice with our faith ethic as a prophetic act against injustice. This is reason itself to act, as we aim to bring our whole lives in line with God’s good will for the world.”
The other co-chair, Matt Ceaser, said: “We recognise that churches have particular needs that limit their choices, but there are greener options available. Bank Well can help your church consider the best way to care for creation through its financial footprint, and the more noise we can make about the needs of climate-conscious churches, the more options will come forth.”
Lord Williams also spoke about the impact that religious institutions could have, “even in a society that is less openly religious than it was. The standards of vision and hope that they set matter to everyone. It would be wonderful to see more joining in this witness.”
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