Since 1972, Anglican Financial Care (AFC) has been dedicated to ethical investing, guided by Christian values. AFC’s investment philosophy centres on the belief that economic decisions are inherently moral choices, grounded in the mission to serve our members’ financial interests while contributing to God’s work of restoration in the world. As such, AFC prioritises investments that provide risk-adjusted returns for the benefit of scheme members, and that also take into account human flourishing, sustainable development, and long-term global well-being.

This year, AFC took a significant step in this mission by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a global just transition to clean energy and a future free from fossil fuels.

WHAT IS AFC’S ETHICAL INVESTMENT POLICY?

At its core, AFC’s Ethical Investment Policy is designed to reflect Christian values in financial decisions. This policy recognises that AFC has fiduciary obligations to its scheme members to act in their best financial interests, with the balance that investment choices must factor in long-term impacts on people and the planet. The approach centres on investing in organisations that produce more good than harm while steering clear of industries and practices that cause significant damage or violate human dignity.

Fossil fuels are one of the focal areas where AFC has made a clear ethical commitment. The policy reflects the Church’s understanding of humanity’s God-given responsibility to care for creation and preserve it for future generations.

ADDRESSING FOSSIL FUELS

AFC’s Ethical Investment Policy takes a balanced stand regarding fossil fuels, recognising their role in driving climate change and harming the environment, but also their role in developing the infrastructure for renewable energy. In alignment with the 2015 Paris Agreement, AFC excludes from its investment assets, companies whose primary business involves coal and tar sands – two of the most damaging fossil fuel sources. Instead, AFC prioritises investments in companies committed to reducing carbon emissions and driving the shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

While AFC’s stance on fossil fuels involves targeted divestment, the approach also supports energy companies that demonstrate tangible commitments to carbon reduction. By investing in these entities, AFC believes it can help drive change from within, encouraging progress toward a just transition to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all.

AFC ENDORSES THE FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY INITIATIVE

This year (2024), AFC responded to a request from the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin to demonstrate leadership for the Anglican Church by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. This global effort seeks to phase out the use and production of coal, oil, and gas while accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. The treaty initiative’s goals align with AFC’s broader ethical investment strategy and its belief in fostering a fair and just energy transition. AFC was happy to accommodate the request from the Bishop of Dunedin—its endorsement of the treaty is (at the time of writing) viewable under the Endorsements tab, Faith Letter, Faith Institutions by Country.

The treaty initiative builds on decades of work by governments, civil society groups, and Indigenous leaders from around the world calling for international cooperation to stop the expansion of fossil fuels. The aim is to ensure that this transition is equitable for all communities. The treaty initiative does this through three pillars:

1. Just Transition: Fast-track real solutions through scaled up access to renewable energy and a just transition for every worker, community and country so that no one is left behind.
2. Non-proliferation: Prevent the expansion of coal, oil and gas by ending all new exploration and production.
3. Fair Phase Out: Equitably phase out existing fossil fuel production in line with the 1.5˚C goal.

For AFC, endorsing the treaty initiative represents its public commitment to these three pillars for a global and just transition to renewable energy.

SUPPORTING A JUST TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY

AFC is committed to ethical investments that reflect its belief in stewardship of God’s creation. While ultimately divestment from fossil fuels is an essential part of this strategy, AFC also believes in supporting the development of alternative energy technologies. As part of this, AFC invests in a global alternative energy fund, which channels resources into renewable energy infrastructure, technology, and innovation.

This investment supports the transition from harmful fossil fuel reliance to a future powered by clean energy. In doing so, AFC plays an active role in contributing to a more sustainable world – one that honours creation and prioritises the well-being of all people.

ETHICAL INVESTING AS A CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY

AFC’s Ethical Investment Policy is rooted in the Christian call to care for others and for creation. Deliberately investing in companies that are committed to developing a cleaner and more equitable future, AFC is caring for the financial interests of its members whilst participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.

This approach reflects the Church’s belief that ethical investing can create tangible positive impacts, helping to restore creation while also providing for the needs of current and future generations.

JOIN US ON THIS ETHICAL JOURNEY

At Anglican Financial Care, we are committed to aligning our investments with Christian values and working toward a sustainable, equitable future. Our decision to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is just one example of how we strive to reflect our commitment to ethical investing.

Of course, a difference each of us can make every day is through our spending habits, because businesses will always produce what people buy. Each one of us can play our part in building a better tomorrow, by choosing how we spend our money today.

As we continue to support a just transition to clean energy, we invite you to join us on this journey – working together for the good of our communities, our planet, and generations to come.

Discover more about AFC’s ethical investment practices and our commitment to Christian values here.

Chris Clarke (CEO of Wilberforce Foundation) and Danielle Diprose (CA—Inovant Accounting Solutions) discuss how a Christian church or organisation can measure its mission success and its impact in its community.

On Wednesday 11 September 2024, several of us had the privilege of attending the Christian Savings Governance Conference at Arise Church in Petone (near Wellington). It was an amazing day filled with great discussions about how we can continue to support and uplift the Christian community through good governance, which results in responsible investments, future planning, and financial stewardship. We heard from speakers who are passionate about making a positive impact in New Zealand while staying true to Christian values.

Christian Savings plays a vital role in helping churches, Christian organisations, and individuals by providing them with ethical financial services. Through loans and term deposits, they empower ministries to build new facilities, start projects, and reach more people with the Gospel. Their work not only strengthens the Christian community but also ensures that resources are used in a way that aligns with our faith.

Our Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is proud to invest in Christian Savings. By doing so, we are not only helping our members prepare for retirement but also contributing to a larger mission. Our investment with Christian Savings forms part of their overall lending pool of money, which supports churches, schools, and other Christian organisations. This means that when our members invest with us, they are helping to support a wider goal of making a difference beyond personal savings.

Our goal with the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is not just to help Christians make wise financial decisions, but to help them make decisions that align with their values. We believe that by providing our members with faith-based investment options, we can support the Christian community while also helping people prepare for the future. Through our commitment to ethical investment practices, we strive to positively impact our members and the wider world we all live in.

The conference was a wonderful reminder that we are all part of something bigger, working together in collaboration to further God’s kingdom through our finances and resources.

Jo, Margaret, and Simon represented our team at the Christian Savings Governance Conference, where they gained valuable insights and forged connections in the Christian community.

Blessing of Anglican House

A New Chapter for Anglican House: A Fresh Coat and a Special Blessing

Anglican House, a Wellington landmark since its construction around 1880, originally served as the residence for the Bishop. Nestled beside Old St Paul’s, which once served as the Anglican Cathedral, the building now functions as the headquarters for The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (Anglican Financial Care) and accommodates several other tenants. The history of this heritage building is rich, with stories that echo the growth and evolution of the Anglican Church in New Zealand.

A Historical Treasure

Anglican House has been part of the Anglican Church’s recent legacy since 1988, when The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board, alongside the Anglican Missions Board, jointly purchased the building. By 1993, AFC had moved into the top floor, which it still occupies today. Over the years, this property has provided not just a home for AFC staff but also a source of income through various tenancies, all while maintaining its status as a cost-efficient “office” premises and historically significant site.

A Long-Overdue Restoration

The latest chapter in the building’s story began in late December 2023 when a much-needed repainting project was initiated. The job was anything but straightforward. Given Anglican House’s status as a heritage building, the repainting required careful attention to detail, starting with sanding the structure back to its bare wood. Necessary repairs were made to ensure the building’s external integrity before it was finally repainted in traditional heritage colours, a requirement for maintaining its historic designation.

The process, which concluded in March 2024, was not without its challenges. Staff working on-site had to endure the noise, dust, and vibrations from the sanding and repairs, with windows closed during the height of summer. However, when the scaffolding finally came down, the building stood proudly in its new ‘coat,’ making all the discomfort worth it.

Anglican House with its new coat of paint.

A Blessing for a New Beginning

To mark the completion of the restoration, a special ceremony was held on May 2, 2024, during the first in-person Board meeting after the work was finished. With three Anglican clergy on the Board, it was a fitting occasion to bless the building. What made the ceremony truly special was the use of water from the Jordan River, the same river where Jesus Christ was baptized. One of the Board Members had recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, bringing back a flask of this very special water. Incorporating it into the blessing ceremony added a profound spiritual dimension to the event, connecting the history of Anglican House with the very roots of the Christian faith.

Rev’d Lawrence Kimberley, Rev’d Isaac Beach, Ven Carole Hughes, CEO Margaret Bearsley.

Looking to the Future

As we continue our mission from our beautifully restored home, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage while also embracing the future. Anglican House is more than just a building; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Anglican Church in New Zealand. We are proud to be part of its story and look forward to the chapters yet to be written.

For those interested in exploring the history of Anglican House further you can find more information on the Wellington City Council website here.