The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain has taken steps to disinvest from companies in extracting fossil fuels. The decision was taken by their Investment Committee, under responsibilities devolved by the Trustees.
Quakers say that investing in companies which are engaged in fossil fuel extraction is incompatible with their commitment made in 2011 to become a sustainable low-carbon community. Since then they have been speaking out to create pressure in the UK for an energy system and economy that does not rely on fossil fuels.
The environmental group, Operation Noah, has praised Quakers for being the first Christian denomination to divest from fossil fuel extraction. Operation Noah’s recent report, Bright Now, says “For the sake of humanity’s survival, we cannot afford to invest in fossil fuels any longer.”
The move is backed by overwhelming support from Quakers all around the country who attended Quakers’ Meeting for Sufferings (their representative decision- making body) at the beginning of October.
The minute of the meeting recording their wish to disinvest said: “We want to invest in renewable energy and energy-saving schemes. Action we will take as individuals, as meetings and as Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees should aim to minimise damage and strengthen our advocacy position.
“We have expressed our difficulties, especially since we all depend in many ways on fossil fuels, but we need to make positive steps towards the change we want to see,” the minute concluded.
Local Quaker Meetings are being encouraged to engage in these issues, especially during Ethical Investment Week [13 to 19 October].
You can read more on Quaker work to end fossil fuel dependency here – www.quaker.org.uk/speak-out