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The custody and management of resources, the production of profit and wealth have been key elements for the development of the economy. Throughout the centuries the Judeo-Christian tradition has fostered and developed a sense of responsibility for the conscientious use of the material and human resources of the earth. Catholic social teaching in particular has espoused the social dimension of the market. It has consistently called attention to the human and societal quality of all economic activity. Methods of generating wealth therefore deserve debate and exploration from an ethical, particularly social-ethical angle. A reflection of this order is particularly timely. Failure to engage in this debate would indeed be negligent, given the potentially adverse effects of free market economics for the social and environmental components of society. It is therefore of consummate importance that the Church and business come together to assess and consider investment methods which at once yield profit and contribute to promoting the common good. To this end a meeting of bishops, theologians and representatives of business took place in Brussels in February. Entitled “The Elements of Ethical Investments”, the event was sponsored by COMECE and UNIAPAC (International Christian Union of Business Executives www.uniapac.org). The programme consisted of thematic sessions, each exploring a key aspect of ethical investments. Personal testimonies and practical experience of ethical investment practices were also shared during the seminar. In itself an example of good practice, this initiative might indeed be emulated in other settings. This special edition [of Europe Infos, no. 73/2005] brings together some of the presentations made on that occasions (cf. page 24). Further exploration of this concept is to be encouraged, particularly by the Church since her mission is to “strive to inspire right attitudes with respect to earthly goods and in socio-economic relationships” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2420). Promoting this debate with the world of business is necessary and urgent. Furthermore, the Church and Church organizations are themselves financial actors. They hold in trust a patrimony to be shared, which requires creative and responsible custodianship. Hence, in respect of this subject, it is vital that they too engage not only as observers but also as partners in seeking new and socially ethical systems of management for the goods of the earth which are entrusted to their care.
