We, the undersigned, call on the Church of England to disinvest in BP, Shell and Exxon Mobil. According to the Church Commissioner's most recent annual report Church investment in these companies is valued at £170.8 million.
These three companies have accepted responsibility for the worst oil disasters in recent history whether in the Gulf of Mexico, the Niger Delta or Alaska. They have been judged amongst the least ethical companies on the planet.
The Church of England promises in its mission statement “to transform unjust structures in society” and “to safeguard the integrity of creation”. We ask the Church Commissioners - those responsible for the Church of England's investment portfolio - to make ethical investments which would be a profitable alternative to oil investment and would reflect the integrity of Christian thought.