Brethren Benefit Trust board adopts four new SRI screens

Nov. 25, 2009, Elgin, Ill. -- At its annual fall meeting, the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust board adopted four additional screens to its Socially Responsible Investing guidelines. Currently, restrictions are in place against investing in companies that generate 10 percent or more of their revenues from defense, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or pornography. After reviewing Annual Conference statements, four additional areas were identified as SRI screens -- firearms, abortion, child labor, and slavery. BBT and Brethren Foundation use a socially responsible investing strategy, meaning all investments must adhere to the values of the Church of the Brethren. The four new screens will focus on areas that were not previously considered in the screening process but have clearly been addressed in Annual Conference statements.