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Shareholders of Wells Fargo and members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, including the Unitarian Universalist Association, have filed multiple shareholder resolutions as a result of a fake accounts scandal that led to a $190 million settlement last month. The resolution filed by the UUA calls on Wells Fargo's board to study how to connect executive pay with ethical conduct. Tim Brennan, the UUA’s treasurer and chief financial officer, said that while Wells Fargo already has a code of conduct, the scandal shows the code "had nothing to do with the way the business was conducted." (Reuters –10.10.16)
More coverage:
“Things are getting so bad for Wells Fargo even Catholic nuns are dumping the bank” (Business Insider – 10.10.16)
“Religious Investors Lose Faith in Wells Fargo After Scandal” (NewsMax – 10.10.16)
Westport congregation dedicates Black Lives Matter banner
The Unitarian Church in Westport, Connecticut, recently dedicated and displayed a Black Lives Matter banner outside the congregation. The Rev. John Morehouse said that the shooting of Terrence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as other shootings of unarmed black men in recent months, led to their decision to hang the banner and support the movement. Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said he does not see the banner as anti-police, adding that the way the church handled and discussed the issue was “very well done.” Morehouse said he hopes the banner will continue to inspire conversation around race in the community. (Westport News – 10.13.16)
More coverage:
“Black Lives Matter banner dedicated” (Minuteman News Center – 10.14.16)
“Black Lives Matter banner dedicated at Unitarian Church in Westport” (The Weston Forum – 10.10.16)
Congregation in Bradenton shows faith through activism
Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bradenton, Florida, was highlighted recently for their many examples of demonstrating the UU faith through work on multiple social justice causes. Members were interviewed about the congregation’s commitment to LGBTQ activism and inclusion. The article also spoke to the congregation’s volunteer work, democratic engagement, and collections taken up for different nonprofits and charities each month. (Bradenton Herald – 10.7.16)