We rejoice in the leadership of our Pope Francis with this clear proclamation in Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ of the foundational Gospel message, “that all may have life and have it to the full.”  His insights reinforce the calling of the ministry of the Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment, to merge investment decisions with social values in the belief that investments must achieve more than an acceptable financial return. We are pleased to see Pope Francis highlight the importance of far-sightedness in our care for ecosystems, a perspective often neglected in our current economic systems.

Our Coalition has raised concerns with corporations about these challenges facing humanity, inspired by our recognition of our interconnectedness of people and planet, and the elements of integral ecology. The investment world has recognized the opportunity in efficiency and the low carbon transition, but this must grow to meet the urgent demand.  The Encyclical reinforces our obligation to think critically about our patterns of production and consumption of energy, out of concern for the common good and our sense of responsibility for one another. As responsible investors, we commit to continue to engage ourselves and the private sector, to invest in climate solutions, to promote protection of fresh water and biodiversity, and to make the radical decisions that will facilitate the transition to more sustainable lifestyles and economies.

Finally, we resonate with Pope Francis’ message for strong, enforceable international agreements and urge all world leaders and the private sector to take up the challenges, together with all the peoples of the world.

We join investors from ICCR in welcoming this strong statement.

Tri-State Coalition Member Statements and Press on Encyclical:

Sister Patricia Daly, OP – “For those of us in the developed world, Pope Francis calls us to a profound reflection on our lives as individuals, consumers, and investors. My prayer is that we may welcome “Praised be” as a call to realign our lives, and the political, economic and religious systems of our world, to be faithful to all of creation, especially the most vulnerable.”

Sister Joan Agro, OP – Letter to the Editor, NJ.com

Sister Pat on Fox Business show Varney & Co.

Sister Margaret Galiardi – ‘Laudato Si’ – An Encyclical of Re-membering

Maryknoll- Ecological Conversion: Called to Hope, Spurred to Action