Hey friends! Today, I wanted to share an intriguing parallel I've been pondering lately. It's fascinating how the story of St. Catherine of Siena, a remarkable 14th-century saint, can offer valuable insights into the power that shareholders wield over businesses in our modern world. Let's dive into it!
St. Catherine lived during the Western Schism (1378 to 1417). There were rival claimants to the papacy. The conflict arose when two men simultaneously claimed to be the legitimate pope, one in Rome and another in Avignon, France. Catherine of Siena was a strong supporter of Pope Urban VI, who resided in Rome. She believed that he was the true pope and publicly advocated for his legitimacy.
Catherine corresponded extensively with various political and religious figures, including Pope Urban VI. She wrote letters urging them to support the Roman pontiff and reconcile the Church. She traveled to Avignon herself to persuade the French pope, Pope Clement VII, to renounce his claim and support Pope Urban VI. Despite facing resistance and hostility, Catherine's efforts were notable in their attempts to bring unity to the divided Church.
Today we are faced with companies that have lost their way and are promoting values that we do not agree with. Sometimes it can feel like David vs Goliath trying to win in the court of public opinion. However, we can take heart from Catherine of Sienna who did not live long enough to see the reconciliation of the schism.
What is great about Biblically Responsible Investing is that we can be like St. Catherine. We can advocate for what we know is right. We can put pressure on them to change their ways. Inspire Investing has done an admirable job with this. They have won shareholder victories against both M&T bank and JP Morgan Chase for their role in cutting off banking services to Christian organizations.
If you want to learn more about what you can do with Biblically Responsible Investing, download our booklet: www.Tekwisefinancial.com/bribookletdl-1
Evan Frazier is a Benedictine College graduate with a degree in Religious Studies and over a decade of experience in financial planning. With a passion for finances and a commitment to aligning himself with Church teachings, Evan is a trusted advisor for his clients. When he's not working, he spends his time with his four children and attending St. Francis in Castle Rock, CO. Send your questions to Evan@Tekwisefinancial.com.