In this installment of the United Methodist Videos animated series, which features the brothers who founded Methodism, John and Charles Wesley lay out three simple rules for holy living according to John Wesley.
Summit 2017, Stewardship for Real People: Flaws and All (Molly Baskette)
At the Foundation, we often use the Three Simple Rules to frame how we manage investments for local churches and other organizations and individuals' charitable plans.
Rule #1: “Do no harm.”
This rule compels us to not invest in companies with core business activities in:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Adult entertainment
- Weapons
- Gambling
- Private prisons
The Foundation follows this “clean hands” approach by not investing in such companies, which is often called “Socially Responsible Investing” (SRI).
Rule #2: “Do good."
By investing in companies surpassing the average practices and policies of their peers within the categories of “Environmental, Social, and Governance” (ESG), our investments promote the greater good.
By combining both the methods of SRI—Rule #1, screening out the companies to be avoided—and by focusing on companies outperforming peers in their ESG practices, Rule #2—the Foundation offers investment options to clients seeking the highest quality strategies in ethical investing.
The outcome empowers churches and others to worry less about the many time-consuming and emotionally-distracting concerns of money management and to put more energy into following Rule #3, "Stay in love with God," which magnifies the love of God for the world!
Visit the "Investment Overview" page of the Foundation website for more information.