Church and cash

http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1762127,00.html

Just FYI if you want to understand a bit of what I do. Personally, having been involved in getting a shareholder resolution for Shell regarding their difficultues in Ireland, Nigeria and Sakhalin, am suprised by some of the biggest holdings.

The church commissioners is where the whole ethical investment gig kicked off -http://oxcheps.new.ox.ac.uk/casebook/Resources/HARRIE_1%20DOC.pdf well, that and the Quakers (Stewardship fund being the longest running ethical fund).

It raises questions about emphasis - legally, investment managers cannot be forced to follow a positive agenda if they are to fulfil their fiduciary duty. But if the church comisisoners can care so much about Caterpillar and their activities in Palestine, can't they see the human rights implications of holding the big mining companies?

Last week I heard the phrase 'sustainable mining'. Without wishing to oversimplify, that's just not possible!

Hmmm

Im a geek, so sue me

Matt

PS Ben - patience, dear boy