Geneva church says 'no' to fossil fuel investments

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva announced that it will no longer invest in any companies involved in the production or sale of fossil fuels which contribute to global warming. The move is an advancement in the church's socially responsible investing strategy.

"The sustainable strategy aligns our church's investment criteria with the green values UUSG embraces," said Robert Swanson, treasurer. "We would like our position to motivate others to evaluate their fossil fuel investments, and initiate more widespread change to green energy."

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva has been committed to SRI for about 10 years. The new initiative tightens its SRI screening to also exclude companies involved in the fossil fuels industry - gasoline, coal, natural gas, etc.

An SRI approach considers both financial return and social responsibility to bring about positive change. Environmental care, consumer protection, human rights and diversity are encouraged, while alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons and other harmful products are avoided.

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, established in 1842 and the oldest church in Geneva, is a diverse, welcoming community that endeavors to make its Covenant a living reality. They provide religious education and opportunities for spiritual growth. They encourage individual and mutual responsibility as together they work to be a liberal religious voice in the community and a force for compassionate social justice. For information, visit www.uusg.org.