Michael Lugton: previously it has been reported that the board should consider Banking on Bloodshed. A member of the Board has been to a conference on Banking on Justice. The Board has in March this year considered this matter. The fundamental question is the extent that the church wishes to look at relationship between finance and discipleship. Should consideration be given to placing funds away from mainstream banks? There is a good deal of interest across the church. Brechin Diocese is considering this. Some pratical difficulties in relying on banks without an extensive banking network. Also charity trustees have a responsibility to seek best returns.
A prior question is how the core values of our church can be defined in order to make a distinction betwen what is ethical and what is not. Board has not felt able to make any specific recommendation but believes there is a case to consider this further and the Board has resolved to ask the Mission and Ministry Board to ask that Church in Society Committee might be invited to consider this further. This committee has agreed to consider this in the coming year.
David Mumford – ethical banking is issue that Brechin has been considering over last year. Diocesan Synod resolution encouraged all charges to look seriously at the issue.
Jeremy Birchill – Investment Committee – supplimenting report. There are positive responses in the unit trust portfolio.
David Mumford asks for Ethical Considerations to be considered by the Investment Committee.
Jeremy Birchill – we are not aware of any unethical bonds held in the portfolio at the moment. Investing in funds is more difficult.
Nick Bowry – Personel Committee – Gender Audit: trying to identify pilot congregations to consider these issues. Looking at vestry roles, worshops and materials on gender justice, also gender impact of budgeting. This has proved difficult. People tend to think gender means women – need to look holistically.
What would committee welcome on gender and equalities audit. If they were to run a day, what would make you attend?
Colin Sibley – thinks that gender has occupied time and resources which are wasted. We are all created different. There is a marked difference in men and women and we should not be surprised by stereotypes. Does not want intensive navel gazing on this issue.
Response from Nick Bowry – need to encourage all the gifts and skills of all our people. (Note that all the Board & Committee Conveners on the platform appear to be male).
Such a pity I had popped out when Colin Sibley spoke. Mind you, a woman would never have said that. But she might have poked him in the eye if she’d been there at the time. (Trying not to be stereotypical.)