Faith-based Organizations
During apartheid, Catholic Healthcare West divested its stock holding in companies doing business in South Africa. When Shared Interest was created, CHW welcomed the opportunity to invest in an organization that would begin to address apartheid’s deplorable economic and social legacy by providing support for adequate housing and economic opportunity for black South Africans. “Catholic Healthcare West’s mission is to reach out and care for those in need, and we support Shared Interest for its commitment to empowering developing communities,” noted Pablo Bravo, CHW’s Director Community Grants and Investments. “By reinvesting in Shared Interest we can extend our resources to help communities outside our reach.”
The Progressive National Baptist Church (PNBC), whose tradition is hallmarked by advocacy for those who have been historically locked out of mainstream opportunities, has been a key partner in Africa’s liberation and development, and is particularly known for its international anti-apartheid work in faith-based communities. PNBC was founded 42 years ago as a “voice of the voiceless” and the religious home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. PNBC was the first historically black denomination to join the 59 other faith-based organizations (Catholic, Protestant and Jewish) that have invested in Shared Interest.
“An investment in SI is an investment in the hope and aspiration of men and women seeking to rise above the levels of their past and to embrace a better future.”
—Dr. Major L. Jemison, PNBC
In September, the U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate increased their loan to Shared Interest from $300,000 to $500,000. The order of 4,500 priests and brothers working in 71 countries has a long history in the region. During the 1980’s, the Oblates joined others working with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Council and South African Council of Churches to end apartheid. In the year 2000, they made their first loan to Shared Interest. Our renewed and increased commitment to the work of Shared Interest serves to strengthen the very special bond that the Oblate congregation feels with the people of Southern Africa,” explained Fr. Finn. “We are grateful for the ways in which Shared interest makes it possible for us to fortify our relationship and celebrate the South African people’s courageous pilgrimage to freedom”.
Annual Reports