How to Find Catholic Financial Investments That Are Moral

Many investors, including Catholics, are concerned about the types of companies they invest it. They want to support companies that use sound business practices and make moral choices. They also want to be good stewards of the funds that they have. Finding investments that are moral can be challenging, but it’s an important task. The internet (whether you have access at home or in a public library) is a great place to do research on moral investments. You may also want to seek advice from your church, a Catholic financial advisor or from friends you trust.

Things You'll Need

• internet access

Instructions

Find Catholic Financial Investments That Are Moral

1. Consider what types of activities you would like to exclude from your investment choices. According to a summary of advice put forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic investors should consider whether the investments they choose profit in any way from abortion, birth control, embryonic stem cell research, pornography, weapons (especially biological weapons, land mines or products specifically designed to inflict harm) or violations of human rights. You might also choose to exclude companies that manufacture or sell tobacco or alcohol.

2. Consider what types of activities you would like to support. You may want to encourage companies that support human rights, protect life and the environment, distribute Christian books or materials, or offer free services to those in need.

3. Look at several Socially Responsible funds. Many major mutual fund companies offer these, and the criteria for inclusion in such funds varies. Most Socially Responsible funds consider important factors such as workplace ethics, product safety, human rights and environmental impact. However, not all of these funds consider moral issues such as profiting from abortion or smoking. Make sure to find out what sorts of investments a fund includes (or excludes) before investing. (See the links below for information on Catholic funds.)

4. Look at individual stocks. Even if you don’t approve of all the companies in a Socially Responsible fund, the list of stocks the fund includes can be a great place to start looking. You might also look at the stocks of companies that have products or services you use.

5. Research each company carefully. Look at their website to find out what sorts of products they make, how they run their business and where their profit comes from.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find that many companies do a mix of moral and immoral things. The same large food company may sell healthy snacks and liquor. Book companies may sell Bibles and distribute free books to children, yet also sell pornography. Medical companies may give free vaccines to people in need, yet also distribute vaccines that contain products derived from abortion. Find out as much as you can on each potential investment, then make the best choices you can. Use your conscience, follow the Holy Spirit and seek advice from Catholic sources you trust.

Resources

• Here is a summary of Catholic investment considerations.
• Here are some specifically Catholic funds.