New Haven-based Knights of Columbus lauded for being one of world’s most ethical companies

Aug. 11--NEW HAVEN -- The Knights of Columbus has been named one of the world's most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, which promotes high standards of business practices.

The K of C is the largest international Roman Catholic fraternal order, and also operates a life insurance company. It's the third year in a row that Ethisphere has included the Knights in its listing.

"The Knights of Columbus was founded on providing financial security to our members and their families in keeping with Catholic values," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in a release.

"Those principles continued to guide our company as we grew into a top-rated insurer with the same ethical commitment in every aspect of our business, our corporate governance, our professional agency force, our investments and our day-to-day business operations."

Ethisphere's mission is "defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success," according to its website.

"Those that demonstrate leadership in areas like citizenship, integrity and transparency create more value for their investors, communities, customers and employees, thus solidifying a sustainable business advantage," Ethisphere CEO Timothy Erblich said in the release. The organization is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. was the only other company named in the life insurance category.

"When Ethisphere looks at us, they look at certainly what we do on the charitable side but also how we invest our money," and Andrew Walther, vice president of communications for the K of C.

"You also have to look at all of the ways we are connected to the community where we are located," he said. Ethisphere judges companies by how closely they adhere to their investment standards, he said. For example, the Knights, as a Catholic organization, won't invest in companies that have connections to abortion or contraceptives.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 in St. Mary's Church in New Haven by the Rev. Michael McGivney. It holds more than $100 billion in life insurance policies.

"We've never lost sight of our founding principles," Walther said. "We are an organization that was founded on charity, fraternity and unity."

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