October 4, 2016 — The Jesuits in English Canada join other Catholic institutions around the
world to announce they are divesting from fossil fuel extraction, making this
the largest faith-based divestment announcement.
“Climate
change is already affecting poor and marginalized communities globally, through
drought, rising sea levels, famine and extreme weather and we are called to
take a stand,” says Father Peter Bisson, SJ, Provincial (Superior) of the
Jesuits in English Canada Province.
The
Jesuits will immediately stop all future investments in fossil fuels and work
to divest such holdings from the current portfolio within five years.
Peter Bisson, SJ, Provincial
Today,
given that climate change “represents one of the principal challenges facing
humanity,” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ #25),
the Jesuits wish to ensure their investment portfolio reflects their
commitment to a clean energy future.
The
Jesuits in English Canada join other Catholic groups in Italy, Australia, Papua New Guinea, the United
States, Brazil, and Hong Kong.
The Jesuits, an order of priests and brothers in the
Roman Catholic Church, have worked in Canada for more than 400 years. They have
responsibility for the direction of schools, churches, retreat houses, and a
variety of social ministries that span from St. John’s, Newfoundland and
Labrador to Vancouver, British Columbia.
There are currently 150 Jesuits in English Canada.
