There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the Sun. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Posted March 2009
Dear Friends
For those who have not, times are difficult!
For those who have, times are also difficult!
“In the last few weeks trust, the most precious asset of all for financial
institutions, has been eroded”. To further quote our Prime Minister last autumn:
Dear Friends
For those who have not, times are difficult!
For those who have, times are also difficult!
“In the last few weeks trust, the most precious asset of all for financial
institutions, has been eroded”. To further quote our Prime Minister last autumn:
“I know that we do not live by markets alone. I have long understood that markets rely on values that they cannot generate themselves. Values are as important as treating people fairly, acting responsibly, co-operating for the benefit of all. ….
And these values that our economy and society need in order to flourish are not born in markets, nor are they born in states. These values - fairness, stewardship, and cooperation - are learned in families, neighborhoods and communities and developed in the relationships we enjoy as a society.”
And these values that our economy and society need in order to flourish are not born in markets, nor are they born in states. These values - fairness, stewardship, and cooperation - are learned in families, neighborhoods and communities and developed in the relationships we enjoy as a society.”
Indeed, members and colleagues have asked whether the church has suffered loss or invested speculatively. I am relieved to confirm that we have not invested with Banks most affected. On the contrary, the value of our investment in Gilts did rather well, offsetting by far the pressure on our small portfolio of pension equities.
On further reflection I’m challenged to summarize and declare the ethic by which the treasury department seeks to operate, and the means by which we build trust. Having bandied around various mantra the following seems to declare our intent.
Thank you for being among those who discern God’s purpose and truth for these times. May His loving Spirit give insight and confidence in your ministry, developing fairness, stewardship and cooperation among those we serve.
Yours truly
Victor
We are stewards of a faithful people.
Operating at the heart of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, our purpose is to encourage people to live in harmony with the enduring life of Jesus.
Our work is supportive of people, institutions and ministries.
We are responsible to society through Trustees while professionally conforming to the highest principles of the regulatory environment.
We seek to use our influence with a sense of grace, balancing with prudence, competing needs for resource, over time.
Our spiritual contribution is: