80 Benedictine nuns at Mount St Scholastica in Kansas City have been engaged in shareholder activism, targeting companies like Google, Target, and Citigroup. They have proposed resolutions related to AI oversight, measuring pesticides, and Indigenous rights. The nuns invest in companies that align with their religious beliefs and push those that don’t to change harmful policies.
Their focus on climate change has led them to propose resolutions asking companies like Chevron, Amazon, and Netflix to assess human rights policies, publish lobbying expenditures, and implement diverse ethics codes. While their resolutions may not always pass, they serve as educational tools and raise awareness.
The sisters’ activism stems from their belief in sharing wealth for the common good, guided by Catholic social teaching. They have faced criticism and backlash for their views on various subjects, including abortion, but remain committed to their values of inclusivity and social justice.
Despite being perceived as too liberal by some, the nuns continue to champion causes they believe in, even at the risk of losing supporters. Led by Sister Barbara McCracken, a long-time peace activist, the sisters use shareholder activism as a way to participate in political and economic matters while aging.
At nearly 85, McCracken finds shareholder activism to be a sit-down job when she can’t actively protest. The sisters do not retire and are determined to keep going as long as they are able, staying true to their values and beliefs amidst challenges and controversies.
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