Ethically, it's a no brainer, even though some prominent schools have bull-headedly continued unashamed on their preset path, such as Harvard University. Many people have previously delved into the logic of divestment, while others have advocated from a purely financial perspective. (Those interested in an exclusively financial argument can read it here.)
With political institutions paralyzed, we desperately need positive examples of institutions that are seeking to be ethical models and promote ethical leadership for our world. That's why I'm proud to be a graduate of Claremont School of Theology. It wouldn't be the first seminary to divest from fossil fuels: that honor goes to Union Theological Seminary of New York, which did so back in June of 2014. But CST could be the second!
CST has not yet made a final decision, but right now, students, faculty, and administration officials have started conversations on the need to divest, as well as looking at the challenges of doing so. I'm hopeful that ecologically-minded leadership from the President, Board of Trustees, students, faculty (current and retired), staff, alumni, and friends of CST will do what it takes to demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change and its threat to our planet. The moral argument is clear: no institution that seeks to heal our world should financially benefit from companies that are endangering life as we know it. Each act of divestment removes one more plank of supposed legitimacy to fossil fuel companies that are profiting at the expense of the biosphere, even crucifying the Body of God itself!
As the Board of Trustees constructively works through this process of what divestment would mean for CST, it's always important to show that such activities make a difference. CST has a long history of progressive commitments, and ethically for them, this should be a no-brainer. Even so, it's important for all of us to show our support for CST students and leadership as they seek to do the right thing for our school and our planet. If you haven't had a chance to do so, sign this online petition and show your support for divestment. Be part of the sacred response of loving our world as ourselves!
One plank at a time,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director