Investing with a Catholic Conscience

For Catholic charities, dioceses, and religious orders, investment decisions are not simply financial—they are moral acts. Every pound invested should reflect the teachings of the Church and the dignity of the human person.

In 2022, the Vatican published Mensuram Bonam (“Good Measure”), a landmark guide offering a theological and practical framework for faith-consistent investing. For Catholic trustees and bursars, it provides both inspiration and direction in navigating the financial world with integrity.

At Epworth, we work closely with Catholic organisations to bring these principles to life in real-world portfolios.

What Is Mensuram Bonam?

Mensuram Bonam is a document produced by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Its aim is to help Catholic institutions align their investments with the Church’s social doctrine.

"Investments... must serve the common good, be directed towards productive activity, and contribute to an economy that is at the service of integral human development."
— Mensuram Bonam, §20

The document builds on key Church teachings such as:

• Laudato Si’ – Care for creation and ecological conversion
• Caritas in Veritate – Economic justice and truth in love
• Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Together, they call for an investment approach grounded in faith, prudence, solidarity, and justice.

The Three Core Pillars of Catholic Ethical Investment

1. Avoiding Harm (Exclusionary Screening)

Catholic investors are called to avoid supporting activities that contradict Church teaching, including:

• Abortion providers
• Embryonic stem cell research
• Weapons of indiscriminate effect
• Pornography and exploitative media
• Environmental destruction
• Human rights abuses and child labour

At Epworth, we embed these exclusions into every portfolio, drawing on expert research and Catholic ethical frameworks.

Explore our ethical investment exclusions

2. Promoting the Good (Positive Alignment)

Catholic social teaching encourages active investment in businesses that contribute to:

• Human dignity and workers’ rights
• Ecological sustainability
• Community development
• Access to essential services like healthcare, housing, and nutrition

In line with Mensuram Bonam, we prioritise firms that demonstrate social purpose, sound governance, and measurable commitment to the common good.

3. Practising Shareholder Responsibility (Active Stewardship)

Catholic investors are not silent partners. The Church urges active ownership:

“Faith-based investors should exercise their rights as shareholders to influence corporate decisions that align with Gospel values.”
— Mensuram Bonam, §72

At Epworth, we:

• Vote at AGMs based on Christian ethical criteria
• Engage with companies on issues such as climate action, human rights, and tax justice
• Collaborate with Catholic coalitions to amplify our voice
• Escalate where necessary, including filing resolutions and divestment

Read how we’ve engaged with companies like HSBC, Glencore, and Barclays on matters of concern to the Church.

Why Mensuram Bonam Matters for Catholic Trustees

As a bursar or trustee, you must ensure your investments:

• Do not compromise Catholic doctrine
• Support your religious and charitable mission
• Comply with Charity Commission or OSCR regulations
• Deliver prudent financial returns for long-term needs

Mensuram Bonam gives you a framework to do this with theological rigour and moral clarity.

Importantly, it stresses the need for professional partners who understand Catholic values and can interpret them in a complex market environment.

At Epworth, we have long experience working with Catholic orders, schools, dioceses, and charities—and we apply the teachings of Mensuram Bonam in both policy and practice.

Common Questions from Catholic Investors

Is it possible to invest in line with both Canon Law and financial regulation?
Yes. With the right partner, you can meet the requirements of both ecclesiastical authority and national charity law.

Do faith-consistent investments underperform?
No. There is no evidence to suggest that ethical Catholic investing compromises returns. 

How can I audit my existing portfolio for alignment with Mensuram Bonam?
We offer ethical portfolio reviews for Catholic clients and can identify areas of alignment and concern.

Conclusion: A Faithful Path Forward

Mensuram Bonam reminds us that investment is never neutral. As Catholics, we are called to steward our financial resources in a way that reflects the Gospel, upholds human dignity, and protects creation.

Whether you are overseeing a school bursary fund, a religious community’s reserves, or a diocesan trust, there is a way to invest faithfully and we’re here to help you do it.

Speak to our team about aligning your investments with Catholic teaching.