South Africa Divestment

A Statement of The American Lutheran Church, 1981

Whereas, the Board of Trustees is in total agreement, sympathy, and support of The American Lutheran Church's condemnation of apartheid and fully committed to the cause of justice and wholeness for the South African Black majority; and

Whereas, the 1980 General Convention of The American Lutheran Church declared its judgment that divestiture is the most effective strategy against apartheid and requested the Board of Trustees to divest of all companies doing business in South Africa; and

Whereas, the Convention requested that this divestment take place in a prudent manner that is consistent with legal requirements and does not place undue risk upon The American Lutheran Church portfolio; and

Whereas, legal counsel has advised the church that "only in those cases where economic considerations are equal as between two or more securities issues under study may the investment decision be based on social considerations"; therefore be it

Resolved, That in the buying and selling of securities, where, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees, the economic considerations are equal as between two or more securities issues under study, the Board of Trustees will, where applicable, choose in favor of the company not doing business in South Africa (or choose against the company doing business in South Africa).