Irish Priests Urge Church to Cut Ties with Allianz Over Israel Links

The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has called for the Irish Catholic Church to terminate its longstanding relationship with Allianz insurance. This demand stems from allegations that the multinational company is financially linked to Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ACP referenced a report published in June 2023 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations. The report, authored by special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, claimed that Allianz, through its subsidiary Pimco, significantly purchased Israeli treasury bonds. These bonds, the report indicated, play a critical role in funding military operations in Gaza, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The ACP highlighted that Allianz has long been a trusted partner of the Catholic Church, with many church properties, including places of worship and schools across Ireland, insured by the company. The association expressed that the connection between the Irish Catholic Church and Allianz could lead to increased outrage among church members regarding the events unfolding in Gaza.

“We ask that the response of the Irish Catholic Church should be immediate and far-reaching in cutting our links with Allianz,” the statement read. “Nothing less is acceptable, as Irish Catholics will now be conscious of the Allianz connection – albeit by extension – and of our connection with the plight of the children we see on our television screens.”

The timing of this statement coincides with an upcoming event, as Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Catholic Primate of Ireland, is set to lead a “Day of Prayer and Reflection for Gaza” in parishes across the country. In his pastoral letter, Archbishop Martin urged a renewed commitment from the international community for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The ACP also encouraged religious congregations and dioceses to closely scrutinize their investment portfolios to ensure they do not inadvertently support human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

Further highlighting the growing concern over Allianz’s financial ties, the ACP noted a petition initiated by members of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). This petition called for an end to the GAA’s partnership with Allianz, which has been linked to enabling what some signatories described as “the genocide of the Palestinian people.” Almost 800 players from various sports have signed an open letter urging the GAA to reconsider its commercial relationship with Allianz, a prominent sponsor in Irish sports.

In response to the GAA petition, an Allianz spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Irish sports and communities, stating, “Our long-standing partnership with the GAA is about supporting Irish sport and communities.” The spokesperson noted that Allianz operates under strict legal standards and principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.

As this situation develops, the ACP’s call for action raises critical questions about corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of financial ties in the context of international humanitarian crises. The potential repercussions for both Allianz and the Irish Catholic Church remain to be seen, as public sentiment continues to evolve in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.