Money
Jesus teaches us to love people and use things – and not the other way around, as society often seems to do.
Jesus told stories to help people understand how their attitude to money reflects what really interests them. He talked so much about money because he knew how our lives often revolve around it. Many of his sayings, including the one mentioned below, challenge people about how they use their money and possessions.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:19-21
Christians believe that everything they have comes from God. Even the money we earn is derived from the gifts God has given us. So we believe that we should try and follow God’s teaching in how we use money. We are taught that our attitude to giving is more important than how much we give. We try to give generously whilst being cheerful about it.
Some people say “the Church is always after your money” and that money shouldn’t be discussed in church. We believe that with over 2,350 verses in the Bible relating to money and possessions, the subject cannot be ignored. Indeed, the Church in Wales recommends that its members should give 5% of their take-home pay to the Church. We believe that the way we deal with our money speaks volumes about our discipleship. Giving money is part of giving the whole of yourself to God.
The Church in Wales has a number of investments and, as a Christian Church, we believe it is God’s will that our investment management process is implemented according to ethical criteria.