The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency, Wespath Benefits & Investments, is now avoiding investments in the government bonds of approximately 60 countries due to human rights concerns.
This decision expands on a resolution from the 2024 General Conference that specifically called for divestment from the governmental debt of Israel, Morocco, and Turkey because of their long-term military occupations.
In collaboration with Heartland, Wespath developed a new, enhanced framework for assessing human rights risks in all sovereign debt investments. The agency announced the new policy on August 6, 2025.“Heartland’s analysis focused on governments characterized by authoritarianism, public corruption, comprehensive sanctions and military occupation,” said Rich Stazinski, the nonprofit’s executive director and co-founder.
“Heartland’s analysis focused on governments characterized by authoritarianism, public corruption, comprehensive sanctions and military occupation,” said Rich Stazinski, the nonprofit’s executive director and co-founder.
“To identify these criteria, Heartland used rigorous and consistent data from internationally recognized sources with credible institutions and robust internal processes.”
He added that the four criteria not only put a spotlight on a nation’s treatment of people but may also reveal financial risks for investors.
Read the article here: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/wespath-intensifies-its-scrutiny-of-bonds