For our common home

No more investment in climate destruction!

 

 

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„We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and … gas – needs be progressively replaced without delay“ (Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 165)

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All over the world, faith groups are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, as the preservation of creation is a central concern for most religions.

If the devastating impacts of the climate crisis are to be limited, it is clear that we must break our societal addiction to fossil fuels. The „business as usual“ of oil, gas and coal companies can no longer be tolerated. That’s why many churches, church councils, relief organizations and other investors around the world have decided to withdraw their money from fossil companies – every month new divestment decisions are added to the list.

In 2018, we’re working more closely with churches and faith communities in Germany to build this momentum and set an example against the fossil fuel industry. Together, we can fight for a better and fairer future with 100% renewable energy for all.

 

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Faith divestment signup – Germany (EN)

Have you divested your church?

Globally, hundreds of religious institutions are involved in the fight against climate change. 

In Germany, it's time for churches to reclaim their money from companies that profit from fossil fuels. It's a matter of solidarity and integrity in the face of climate impacts threatening communities in Germany and around the world. 

Quick, decisive action is necessary - that's what we're committed to in 2018 and beyond. We need your help. Sign up for info and we'll let you know about the next steps in the growing faith divestment movement in Germany. 

Please note that if you prefer correspondence in German, you should sign up here

 

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Church divestment – Get involved!

Members of churches, faith communities and local fossil free groups are already actively encouraging churches and other institutions to withdraw their investments from oil, gas and coal companies. These are ordinary people, driven by core values such as justice, compassion, faith and the integrity of creation.

To send a strong signal, we need even more people to get involved and call for their churches or religious communities to take action. Given the urgency of climate change, it is crucial that we intensify these efforts and urge churches to show moral leadership and bring their investments into line with their values.

You can contribute! Read this guide on Catholic divestment to get ideas on how to start a church divestment campaign in your community.

 

Past successes in Germany and around the world

The Catholic Church is committed to ethical investment. In his Encyclical Laudato Si – Concerning Concern for the Common House, published in June 2015, Pope Francis states clearly that „Efforts for the sustainable use of natural resources are not […] a waste of money, but rather an investment capable of providing other economic benefits in the medium term.“ (191)

In October 2017, in the largest joint divestment announcement by Catholic institutions to date, a coalition of 40 Catholic institutions from 11 countries announced their intention to withdraw their funds from coal, oil and gas. Among the institutions is the German Bank for Church and Caritas eG – one of the first Catholic banks in the world to take this step and commit to partially divest.

quote by Bishop of Assisi

More joint announcements are planned for 2018!
Bishops, church institutions and other faith groups in Germany still have a chance to join this movement and set a good example by publicly advocating for divestment and divesting their investments from coal, oil and gas. A public divestment commitment would help bring attention to the fact that the exploitation of fossil fuel reserves is morally unacceptable and that rapid, determined action towards 100% renewable energies is possible and necessary. In April and October, the Global Catholic Climate Movement is planning further joint announcements and German churches and faith-based institutions will be in the spotlight.

This is a chance for the Catholic church to build upon other recent successes, including significant steps taken in the Protestant church community.

In November 2016, the clergy of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) passed a resolution asking the church and all its parishes to progressively withdraw their investment capital from coal, oil and gas companies. The first country churches responded by setting up decisions.

Since January 2017, the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian-Upper Lusatia excludes companies that „produce nuclear energy or generate more than 30% of their value chain from coal, oil and natural gas“ from their investments.

The Evangelical Church of Hesse-Nassau already took this step in November 2015, making it one of Germany’s pioneers.

 

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