MMA Praxis and ICCR Sponsor FAITH IN THE GULF COAST Study from the Institute for Southern Studies

The most in-depth study on the role of faith organizations in the Katrina recovery

GOSHEN, IN//September 16, 2008///MMA Praxis Mutual Funds and ICCR celebrate their sponsorship of the Institute for Southern Studies recently-released report “FAITH IN THE GULF COAST,” the most in-depth study on the role of faith organizations in the Katrina recovery.  The report looked at more than 80 faith and community organizations in the Gulf Coast and nationally, from store-front churches in New Orleans to major national religious relief agencies.

“At MMA Praxis we believe very deeply that faith—and faith-based organizations—can have a powerful impact on our world.  We are pleased to sponsor this report documenting the religious community’s unbelievable role in helping rebuild the Gulf Coast,” said Mark A. Regier, Stewardship Investing Services Manager at MMA Praxis. “The study clearly shows what many have felt, that faith based groups are some of the most reliable, accessible and consistent sources of assistance following disasters—particularly to the poor.”

“Throughout the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s nearly four decades of work; our members have shaped our priorities for action through the lens of faith.  We are inspired by our faith and committed to action.” said Laura Berry, ICCR’s executive director. “Focusing on comprehensive and thorough reporting, in a well-documented and compelling framework; The Study highlights the responsiveness and effectiveness exhibited by religious communities in Katrina’s aftermath.   Demonstrating yet again that interfaith coalitions can and should continue to raise the prophetic voice of faith to build a more just and sustainable world.”

Regier was part of the Katrina Response Team at ICCR that led efforts to create a way to channel investment dollars, safely and effectively, to needy communities along the Gulf Coast. The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility is a coalition of nearly 300 faith-based institutional investors who work together to build a more just and sustainable global community by integrating social values into corporate and investor actions.

One outgrowth of ICCR’s efforts was the creation of The Isaiah Funds, sponsored by six partner institutions including MMA, with a goal of providing a permanent facility of low-cost capital to help revitalize the economies of communities affected by disasters. The funds will initially focus on hurricane recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast.  The Isaiah Funds are targeted toward institutions and launched in May 2008. To date $4.5 million has been committed to this effort with another $8-10 million expected within the next 24 months. 

”Like MMA* Praxis Mutual Funds, the Isaiah Funds are a testimony to the power our investments have to change our world for the better,” said Regier, who sits on the Isaiah Funds Board of Managers. “This effort is a continuation of the recovery and restoration work faith groups began three years ago and which continue through this day.”

 “As the Gulf Coast experiences yet another powerful hurricane, this new report finds that faith-based organizations have indeed been "critical" to the Gulf Coast hurricane response. And they will continue to play a critical role in the long-term rebuilding in this region,” says Berry.

The report documents how faith organizations became among the most trusted players in the Katrina relief and response effort, and the wide range of innovative approaches religious groups are using to revitalize neighborhoods across the Gulf Coast.

About MMA Praxis
MMA Praxis Mutual Funds are part of MMA which helps people and groups integrate their finances with faith values through its expertise in insurance and financial services. Rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition, MMA also offers practical stewardship education and tools to individuals, congregations, organizations, and businesses. To learn more, visit www.mmapraxis.com.

*Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the MMA Praxis Mutual Funds carefully before investing; this and other information about the funds is in the prospectus, which can be obtained by calling (800) 9-PRAXIS or at www.mmapraxis.com.  Read the prospectus carefully before you invest.  MMA Praxis Mutual Funds are distributed by IFS Fund Distributors.


CONTACT:
Ronnie Welch
CWR & Partners
508- 222-4802

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