¶ 716.
Policies Relative to Socially Responsible Investments--It shall be the
policy of The United Methodist Church that all general boards and agencies,
including the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and all
administrative agencies and institutions, including hospitals, homes,
educational institutions, annual conferences, foundations, and local churches,
shall, in the investment of money, make a conscious effort to invest in
institutions, companies, corporations, or funds whose practices are consistent
with the goals outlined in the Social Principles; and shall endeavor to avoid
investments that appear likely, directly or indirectly, to support racial
discrimination, violation of human rights, gambling, or the production of
nuclear armaments, alcoholic beverages or tobacco, or companies dealing in
pornography. The boards and agencies are to give careful consideration to
shareholder advocacy, including advocacy of corporate
disinvestment.