An economy bereft of ethical principles can kill, Gozo Bishop says

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech has placed the environment as an ethical marker for financial activity.

Delivering a short address at the branch opening of APS bank, a church bank, in Sliema on Thursday, Grech asked for a wider interpretation of ethical investment activity.

"It would be myopic to think that ethical investment only means avoiding arms companies and pharmaceutical firms that harm humans, or simply shunning activity that disrespects human rights or seeks the shelter of tax havens," Grech said. 

Financial activity that harms the environment is also unethical, he added, noting the massive challenge climate change was posing to humanity.

He urged APS to offer investment schemes that are "environmentally friendly".

Grech said it was important that people remained at the centre of economic activity.

"An economy bereft of ethical considerations is one that kills," he said.