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Sharing Wisdom: Inspiring Fireside Chat with Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI & Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) Elders April 7th, 2025

Keep the Fire Going
(By Matthew Illian, Director of Responsible Investing, United Church Funds)

 
As we gathered at the Interfaith Center “God Box” for February’s Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s (ICCR) conference, many of us carried a troubled spirit. You didn’t hear any lamenting, but you could sense our weariness in the way we greeted one another. Whether with words, a smile, or a hug, our interactions were more heartfelt than usual. We weren’t just saying hello; we also came seeking something – perhaps reassurance.
 
We were two months into rapid-fire Executive Orders from the Trump Administration, and many were witnessing their efforts to uphold a more just and equitable society being dismantled nearly overnight. In planning this conference, we determined that it was essential to turn to the elders of the ICCR community. We were eager to know how they kept the fire going through distressing times. How had they persevered through the ups and downs of political regime changes?
 
The session was dubbed a “Fireside Chat with ICCR Elders”. As it began, Sister Barbara Aires, Steven Heim, Fr Séamus Finn, OMI and Bill Somplatsky-Jarman (SJ), who had collectively served the ICCR community for over 140 years, started sharing their stories.
 
One of the recurring themes was about the power of persistence. Both Steven and Sister Barbara shared stories of their unwavering determination, such as calling corporate offices on a daily or weekly basis.
 
 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/3R0BuyT
 
 

Fr. Seamus Finn, OMI, Quoted in Wall Street Journal Article on Ethical Investing June 7th, 2016

Fr. Séamus Finn, Chief of Faith Consistent Investment at the OIP Investment Trust and Chairman of Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, says companies that obey the law, are transparent, treat their employees well and respect the environment and their communities are likely to be more sustainable in the long run.

 

Read the full Wall Street Journal article.

 

 

 


Happy World Water Day 2016! March 22nd, 2016

worldwater

Happy World Water Day 2016!: Better Water, Better Jobs

2016 Theme: Better Water, Better Jobs

In 1993 the UN General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day. Water is a critical global resource for human development. Yet not all populations, even within the same country, have equal access. In the U.S. Flint, Michigan is one recent example. The theme for this year’s observance is: “Better Water, Better Jobs.” It is a call  for us to “recognize and support people and jobs whose work with water helps us all.” 

Here are some alarming facts about water from Water.org:

  • 1.8 billion people around the world lack access to safe water.
  • The incidence of children suffering from stunting and chronic malnutrition — at least 160 million — is linked to water and sanitation.
  • More than 840,000 people die from a water-related disease each year, including diarrhea caused by bad drinking water, hygiene and sanitation.
  • Eighty-two percent of people who don’t have access to “improved” water live in rural areas.
  • More than one-third of people worldwide lack access to a toilet, more than the number of people who have a mobile phone.
  • Every 90 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease.
  • The amount of safe water could drop by 40 percent in 15 years if people do not change the way they use water.

Read more about World Water Day 2016 and articles on Flint, MI from the Interfaith Council For Corporate Responsibility: http://www.iccr.org/world-water-day-2016

Visit the United Nation’s website to read more about events marking this observance: http://www.un.org/en/events/waterday/


PBS interviews ICCR leadership for segment on corporate responsibility January 12th, 2016

PBS recently conducted interviews with Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) leadership, including Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI (ICCR’s board chairman), Cathy Rowan and David Schilling for a piece on faith-based groups and their work around corporate responsibility. Watch the 8-minute segment here.

 

 


Oblate featured on International Business News Channel January 11th, 2016

Seamus P. FinnFr. Seamus Finn, OMI discusses a proposal that calls for a greater level of transparency and shareholder participation with Viacom…

Read the full article.

 

 

 

 

 

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