Introduction: Climate Action Is a Moral Responsibility
The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it’s a theological and moral challenge.
For churches, charities, and Christian investors, the question is clear:
How can we use our financial resources to care for God’s creation, protect the vulnerable, and advocate for justice?
At Epworth, we believe the climate crisis demands a response rooted in faith, integrity, and bold investment action. In this article, we explore what that looks like—and what you, as a trustee or church leader, can do.
The Climate Crisis: A Justice Issue
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
— Psalm 24:1
The most devastating impacts of climate change—drought, flooding, food insecurity—fall disproportionately on the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities.
As Christian investors, we are called to:
- Protect the earth as an act of worship
- Defend the poor as an act of justice
- Use our influence as an act of stewardship
Faithful investment must be part of this response.
What Investors Can Do: 3 Tools for Faithful Climate Stewardship
1. Divest from Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuel combustion is the leading driver of global heating. Churches across the UK and worldwide—including the Methodist Church, Church of Ireland, and many dioceses—have made the decision to divest from fossil fuel producers.
At Epworth, we fully exclude companies involved in:
- Thermal coal mining
- Oil and gas production
- Tar sands, fracking, and arctic drilling
This is a matter of moral clarity, not political convenience. We do not believe companies whose core business relies on environmental destruction belong in an ethical portfolio.
2. Invest in the Transition
Avoiding harm is essential—but it’s not enough. Christian investors must also support companies actively contributing to the low-carbon transition, including:
- Renewable energy providers
- Sustainable transport and infrastructure
- Circular economy models
- Climate adaptation and mitigation services
We look for credible strategies, not greenwashing—and prioritise companies aligning with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
3. Engage with Companies and Banks
Faith-based investors hold influence. Through shareholder engagement and voting, we can press companies and financial institutions to:
- Set clear, time-bound net zero targets
- Phase out fossil fuel financing
- Protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems
- Ensure a just transition for workers and communities
We work with like-minded investors to challenge banks and insurers on their support for coal and oil expansion—using both dialogue and escalation when needed.
Read more about our recent climate engagement with HSBC and Barclays here.
Creation Care and Christian Theology
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
— Genesis 2:15
Climate action is not a political trend—it is a biblical mandate.
- Stewardship of creation
- Justice for the poor
- Peacemaking and reconciliation
- Hope for future generations
These are Gospel imperatives. And investment is one way the Church can live them out.
Why This Matters for Trustees
If your charity, diocese, circuit, or mission agency is investing in fossil fuels—whether directly or through pooled funds—you may be:
- Exposed to reputational risk
- Contradicting your mission or theological values
- Failing to act in the best long-term interests of your beneficiaries
Trustees have both a legal and a moral duty to align investment decisions with their charity’s purpose—and the climate crisis is too urgent to ignore.
What Epworth Offers
We provide:
- Fossil fuel-free investment solutions
- Climate-positive stewardship strategies
- Transparent ethical screening
- Engagement with financial institutions and high-impact sectors
- Clear reporting for trustees, auditors, and church governance bodies
All rooted in Christian values, not just ESG checklists.
Conclusion: Be Part of the Change
The climate crisis is already here. The question is whether the Church will lead—or lag behind.
At Epworth, we stand ready to support charities and churches that want to align their investments with creation care, climate justice, and the hope of the Gospel.
Get in touch to explore how your organisation can take a faithful stand on climate through investment.
Learn more about our climate policy and exclusions