Of all organisations, churches are generally receptive to considerations of divestment on ethical grounds.

Church of England

If a Diocesan Board of Finance has ‘(Custodian Trustee)’ written after its name, this shows that the Board is not the beneficial owner. Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) may own these shares, possibly left to them as legacies. They benefit financially from these investments, and can make decisions as to whether or not to keep them.

If you write to a religious body and they write back saying they are the Custodian Trustee and not the beneficial owner, ask who owns the shares because they will be able to decide whether or not to sell.

Organisations which may be helpful

Christian Ethical Investment Group (www.ceig.org.uk)
The CEIG is an independent voluntary body formed in 1988 to promote ethical investment within the Church of England. It is now committed to serve all the
churches and to help individuals, both within and outside the churches, who wish to explore and put into practice ethical investment.

Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (www.eccr.org.uk)
ECCR was set up by the main churches in the UK to campaign for social justice in British multi-national policy and behaviour. It seeks to achieve this through shareholder action leading to constructive dialogue with the company, backed up by research and work with partner organisations, including sister organisations in the USA and Canada.