Mission Responsibility Through Investment
(MRTI)
The Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) committee implements the General Assembly's policies on socially responsible investing by engaging corporations in which the church owns stock. Issues are adopted annually in a Priority Work Plan based on referrals from the General Assembly, consultation with ecumenical partners, and the mission goals of the General Assembly.
The pursuit of peace is one of those goals. That's why MRTI advocates on behalf of children to reduce their exposure to violence in video games and other media.
MRTI's media standards
for 2005-2006 related to video game producers
Background: This issue has been addressed in a variety of ways over the years. Most recently, the religious community has concentrated on encouraging retail companies to restrict or end sales of handguns and other weapons, and to sell only "toy" weapons that cannot be confused with real ones. In addition, the religious community has focused new attention on video games containing violence, racial hatred, and sexual abuse.
2004-2005 Activities: The past year saw numerous efforts to engage retailers about their procedures to insure that video games are not sold to children or young teens when the games possess mature or adult labels. All shareholder resolutions were withdrawn. Religious groups also met with the trade association of retailers about selling practices, and the adequacy of ratings. Less satisfactory discussions were held with the Entertainment Software Ratings Board
(ESRB). MRTI helped distribute a brochure prepared by the PC(USA) Child Advocacy Office on video game violence.
2005-2006 Program Initiatives:
- Video Game Producers: MRTI will participate in efforts to enhance the rating standards for video games that presently are self-regulated by the industry. This will include meetings with the ESRB.
- Consumer Education and Advocacy: MRTI will promote a “Don’t Buy Violent Video Games” message during the holiday season for 2005 and 2006 in conjunction with the Child Advocacy Office and other religious groups.
- Retailers: MRTI will join other religious shareholders in engaging retailers and their industry coalition about selling practices.
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