New York (June 26, 2023) Brian R. Bodager, President and CEO of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC) has announced the addition of a new Sustainable Climate Policy to the PBUCC’s Investment Policy Statement. This announcement comes on the 10th anniversary of the passage of the United Church of Christ’s 2013 General Synod resolution urging divestment from fossil fuel companies in the effort to address climate change.
The implementation of the new policy follows a period of reflection and study begun in 2022 during which the Pension Boards evaluated its existing and emerging investments and activity related to climate change and its climate action plan, reviewed detailed studies and background documents, and advanced its future vision for climate justice.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Pension Boards, along with investment staff and a special designated task force on climate, developed an initial policy statement which culminated in acceptance by the Board’s Investment Committee in May 2023.
At General Synod 34, Pension Boards’ staff will participate in a climate change panel discussion and hearing (4 p.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023), focusing on progress made by UCC-affiliated ministries on the 2013 fossil fuel divestment resolution.
The urgency of the climate crisis; the science and commitments of the Paris Accords’ call to Net Zero by 2050; an already robust program of climate-related investment; and engagement and collaboration with faith partners, all combined to inform, inspire, and commit the Pension Boards to a bold new course of action to combat climate change.
Grounded in science, theology and tradition, the new Sustainable Climate Policy reflects the Pension Boards’ commitment to climate action, witness, and justice and to the values and pronouncements of the United Church of Christ.
To read the new policy, please click here. If you would like more information, please contact the Rev. Rick Walters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.