On November 17, 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved new Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines, the first update since 2003. While the Guidelines are intended to direct the USCCB’s investments and other activities related to corporate responsibility, they serve as an inspiration that helps inform the investment decisions of many religious communities, dioceses, universities, healthcare organizations, and Catholic foundations, at their discretion.
The Guidelines were developed over two years and drafted by the USCCB staff under the leadership of a Bishops’ Working Group, chaired by the USCCB Treasurer. The Working Group’s efforts began with a survey of U.S. Bishops and included meetings with external subject matter experts as well as ESG research providers. CBIS was honored to serve as Project Manager on this thorough and all-encompassing review and update of the Guidelines, as we did with the 2003 revision.
A Holistic Policy Approach
The new Guidelines, which incorporate teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, emphasize a holistic approach to the Guidelines where five major categories of policies are integrally connected.
Reviewing the Relevance
The Guidelines are to be reviewed every three years for relevance. As part of the review, the USCCB may request its investment advisors to report on how they implement the Guidelines.
It also calls for the USCCB to work with their advisors to create goals that measure progress and apply common sense and prudence in carrying out investment strategies.
A Reaffirmation and Extension of Investment Strategies on Restrictions/Active Ownership
The Guidelines reaffirm and significantly extend the USCCB’s investment strategies to “Avoid Doing Harm” and to “Actively Work for Change” as an investor.
They continue to require a refusal to invest in companies whose products and/or policies are counter to the values of Catholic moral teaching or statements adopted by the USCCB. Most new investment restrictions also contain requirements for companion active ownership.
Additionally, the Guidelines extend the prior requirement to use the USCCB’s position as a shareholder and active owner to influence a company’s business policies and practices. A number of new active ownership efforts were added and several were reinforced. They emphasize that the USCCB will engage companies through dialogue with management, voting at corporate meetings, and supporting shareholder resolutions.
Expands Positive Investment Strategy
The USCCB also expands on positive investing to “Promote the Common Good” by seeking investment opportunities in companies owned by people of color and women, and companies whose practices or business relationships demonstrate diversity and racial justice. Calls for collaborating on impact investing and to actively invest in companies that are consistent with the emission reduction goals of the Paris Agreement are also new.
| Policy Area | USCCB Guidelines on Investment Restrictions | USCCB Guidelines on Active Ownership |
| Abortion, Euthanasia, and Assisted Suicide | X | X |
| In Vitro Fertilization | X | |
| Embryonic Stem Cell and Fetal Tissue Research; Human Cloning | X | |
| Access to Drugs and Vaccines | | X |
| Human Rights | X | X |
| Discrimination | | X |
| Pornography and Commercial Sexual Exploitation | X | X |
| Human Trafficking and Forced Labor | | X |
| The Human Person | X | X |
| Marriage, Sexual Integrity, and Family | | X |
| Contraceptives | X | |
| Reducing Arms Production | X | X |
| Addictive Materials or Harmful Habitual Behaviors | X | X |
| Media & Telecommunications | X | X |
| Labor Standards | | X |
| Affordable Housing/ Banking | | X |
| Climate Change | X | X |
| Biodiversity | X | X |
| Water and Natural Resources | X | X |
| Technology | | X |
| Environmental Impact | X | X |
Copyright ©2022 Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell any investment. The Funds are not available for sale in all jurisdictions. Where available for sale, an offer will only be made through the prospectus for the Funds, and the Funds may only be sold in compliance with all applicable country and local laws and regulations.