Positions on Social Issues

Church Investment, South Africa, Taxation of Religious Institutions

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Social Responsibility in Church Investment

Convention resolutions in 1965 and 1968 (supplemented by Council actions in 1965, 1973, 1974, and 1975) called upon all Diocesan units and all congregations to exercise social responsibility in investments, in construction contracts, and in the purchasing of supplies. In progressive steps, Convention urged that Church bodies use stockholder voting rights, the placement of bank accounts, the selection of contractors, and the selection of suppliers to advance such goals as equal opportunity in employment and in housing, an end to apartheid in South Africa, ghetto self-improvement, and protection of the environment. Participation in Project Equality was approved by the Council in 1965, and positive votes on a variety of social responsibility resolutions appearing in corporate proxy statements were urged by Council in 1973, 1974, and 1975.


South Africa

In broad terms in 1960, in more concrete terms in 1965 and 1978, and in very specific terms in 1985, Convention has declared its support of those working to end "South African racist policies," called upon the federal government to seek multilateral cooperation in an embargo on arms and oil shipments and on scientific and cultural exchange, and called for withdrawal of U.S. investments in South Africa, finally urging massive disinvestment (private sector and New York State) and the adoption by Congress of major sanctions. The 1982 Convention affirmed its support of the Rt. Rev. Desmond Tutu in his Christian witness for justice and reconciliation, and deplored his harassment by the South African government. Taxation for Social Improvements

Conventions on several occasions have urged Churchpeople "to recognize and accept the need for increased taxation" by the federal government and/or by New York State in order that certain social improvements being advocated by Convention might be made possible.


Taxation of Religious Institutions

While opposing the taxation of property clearly used for religious purposes, Convention in 1970 and 1971 urged the public disclosure of financial information by religious institutions, holding that the public has a legitimate interest in knowing the financial extent of "various forms of tax exemption provided by federal, state, and local governments." Church units were urged to "undertake to pay the proper taxing authorities annual real estate taxes whenever the uses of (their) properties do not entitle the same to exempt status." The 1982 Convention urged all taxing authorities to continue to exempt from taxation all church property used primarily for religious and charitable purposes.

 

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