Catholics involved in the charitable fundraising sector gathered in the City of London for a seminar and reception organised by Catholics in Fundraising (CiF). The event, “Catholic Generosity – where wealth and faith meet”, explored how Catholic teaching can shape approaches to wealth, philanthropy and stewardship.

Speakers included Fr Keith McMillan SJ, the British Jesuits’ provincial fundraising chief John Green and wealth manager Tom Fitzgerald O’Connor, who reflected on the place of fundraising within a wider moral and spiritual understanding of economic life.

John Green, the chairman of Catholics in Fundraising, opened the seminar by making the case for a view of fundraising rooted less in transactions and more in relationships, responsibility and vocation.

The conversation ranged across questions of ethical investment, the responsibilities attached to wealth and the ways financial decision-making can reflect Christian principles. Contributors referred to recent Vatican guidance on finance and investment, including Mensuram Bonam, arguing that the management of capital carries social and moral consequences beyond financial return alone.

Attention was also given to the connections between charitable giving, taxation and wider civic obligations. Drawing on themes explored in Render unto Caesar, speakers considered how those working in fundraising navigate questions of public responsibility, economic life and faith-based witness within contemporary society.

Speakers suggested that a broader understanding of wealth and purpose results in better engagement with supporters by recognising wider questions of responsibility, faith and service rather than focusing solely on charitable donations.

Particular attention was given to the idea of the “good steward”, with wealth described as something entrusted to individuals to manage and use responsibly in service of others.

“This seminar captured something essential for our sector,” Suzanne Wheeler, a trustee of Catholics in Fundraising, said. “Fundraising, at its best, is not about transactions, but about helping people live out their responsibilities as good stewards, holding together their faith, their resources and their concern for others in a coherent and meaningful way.”

Hosted by Cazenove Capital, the seminar formed part of CiF’s programme of events and research. The group’s forthcoming Catholic Generosity Report aims to provide greater insight into patterns of giving and support the long-term development of the sector.