Mercy Investment Services recognizes that the investment of financial resources is itself a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, which gives expression to our enduring concerns for the poor, sick and uneducated. Consistent with its role as a responsible social and financial steward of the invested assets of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Investment Services seeks to preserve and enhance the funds while utilizing investments congruent with the values and mission of the Sisters of Mercy, as amplified in the Direction Statement and Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, acting in harmony with the Mercy International Association justice agenda, both locally and globally.

In order to meet these goals, Mercy Investment Services utilizes portfolio screens, thereby avoiding investment in certain companies whose products, services or activities are notably contrary to these guiding principles. It actively seeks investments in companies whose activities demonstrate a positive record of accomplishment in matters aligned with the guiding principles of the Sisters of Mercy.

Avoidance Screens

Mercy Investment Services does not invest in companies whose activities involve:

1. Manufacture of primary abortifacient drugs or devices or operation of health facilities that provide abortion services.

2. Production of nuclear, chemical, biological or other weapons or weapons systems.

3. Manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products

4. Material participation in scientific research through the use of embryonic stem cells or fetal tissue.

5. Production of pornographic products and services.

Mercy Investment Services has established revenue thresholds for each avoidance screen to measure the company’s involvement in these activities so that companies with minimal involvement may not be excluded.

Positive Screens

Mercy Investment Services also seeks investments in companies with positive environmental, social and governance records, and considers these factors important in our voting of company proxies. The following are factors we consider important:

1. Employment or advancement of women and underrepresented populations

2. Diversity in governance through appropriate board membership of women and underrepresented populations

3. Just employment practices and vendor standards

4. Positive environmental record and/or effective environmental policies designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability of life, especially water

5. Protection or advancement of human rights

6. Promotion of nonviolence