As the founder and CEO of Inspire Investing, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a coalition of faith-based investors and conservative influencers and leaders can drive real, tangible change in the world of business. One of the most remarkable moments in this journey comes with Walmart’s recent decision to step back from its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and exit the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey.
Walmart found itself between the rock of our friend Robby Starbuck’s public platform and the hard place of our group of institutional investors with tens of billions of assets, all shining an uncomfortable light on the extreme DEI policies that had grown like a cancer throughout a once great company. For our part, Inspire Investing sent a letter to Walmart in late October pushing on the DEI issue, along with additional letters and direct communications with investor relations in recent months focused to keep dangerous chemical abortion drugs out of Walmart’s pharmacies. Others in our coalition added their weight to the conversation, including over a dozen state treasurers and financial officers. Robby Starbuck’s social media platform provided the final spark, lighting the flame which has burst into a blaze of glorious reform.
This decision represents more than just a corporate policy shift; it’s a victory for the Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) movement and a testament to the power of faith-driven stewardship. It’s proof that our voices—when united in purpose and conviction—can inspire companies to align with principles of integrity, respect, and biblical values.
For years, Walmart participated in the HRC’s CEI survey, which scores companies based on their alignment with LGBT activism and other DEI initiatives. While these policies are often framed as inclusive, they have increasingly drawn criticism for promoting ideological agendas that conflict with the deeply held beliefs of a broad swath of Americans, and especially faith-based communities.
At Inspire Investing, we’ve long advocated for a different approach—one that respects the diverse perspectives of customers and shareholders while upholding ethical practices rooted in biblical principles. Walmart’s decision to step away from the CEI survey and re-evaluate its DEI policies is a significant step in that direction.
For those of us in the BRI movement, this moment is deeply meaningful. It shows that faith-based investors can make a difference, even in the boardrooms of the world’s largest corporations. It’s a reminder that financial stewardship, when guided by biblical values, can influence the cultural and moral fabric of our society.
Walmart’s decision to move beyond its previous DEI policies and the HRC’s CEI survey sends a powerful message: corporations can succeed without caving to leftist ideologically driven pressure. They can respect all people, including those with faith-based perspectives, without being drawn into divisive or polarizing practices.
This shift is also a recognition of the broader cultural climate. Consumers and investors are growing weary of corporate activism that prioritizes an increasingly bizarre stew of sexual viewpoints, racial quotas, and divisive employee indoctrination. By stepping back from leftist DEI policy and the CEI survey, Walmart has demonstrated a commitment to serving its customers and shareholders more inclusively.
As one of the largest retailers in the world, Walmart has enormous influence. Its decision to refocus on its core mission—providing goods and services that bring value to communities—sets an example for other companies to follow.
For the Biblically Responsible Investing movement, this moment is a significant milestone. It proves that faith-driven investors and consumers have a voice in shaping corporate behavior. It also reinforces what we’ve been saying for years: aligning financial stewardship with biblical principles is not just morally right; it’s also practically effective.
When I started Inspire Investing, some questioned whether BRI could achieve competitive financial returns while adhering to strict ethical standards. Today, our firm manages billions of dollars in assets, and we’ve seen countless examples of how faith-based investing can deliver both strong financial performance and positive impact. Walmart’s decision is yet another affirmation of this truth.
Of course, there is still much work to be done. While Walmart’s decision is a victory, it’s not the end of the journey. Many companies continue to embrace policies that conflict with biblical values, and it’s our responsibility as faith-driven investors to continue engaging with them.
At Inspire Investing, we’re committed to this mission. We’ll keep advocating for change, educating investors, and empowering Christians to align their portfolios with their faith.
Walmart’s shift is a reminder of what’s possible when we remain steadfast in our convictions and work in a coordinated, strategically aligned way. It’s a call to action for every investor who wants to make a difference—not just in their financial returns, but in the world around them.
As I reflect on this moment, I’m reminded of why I started Inspire Investing in the first place. It wasn’t just to create a new investment firm; it was to honor God by helping people steward their finances according to biblical principles. Walmart’s decision is a testament to what can happen when we trust God with our resources and take bold steps to advocate for what is right.
To everyone who has supported the BRI movement—whether as an investor, financial advisor, social media influencer or simply someone who believes in the power of faith-driven stewardship—thank you. This victory belongs to all of us, and it’s a reminder that we are truly blessed to be a blessing.
Let’s keep inspiring transformation for God’s glory, one investment at a time.
Have you joined the biblically responsible investing movement yet? What are you waiting for?
Robert Netzly is the CEO of Inspire Investing and frequent contributor on FOX, Bloomberg, New York Times and other major media. Read more from Robert in his #1 bestselling book Biblically Responsible Investing, available at Amazon.com and other major retailers.
As the founder and CEO of Inspire Investing, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a coalition of faith-based investors and conservative influencers and leaders can drive real, tangible change in the world of business. One of the most remarkable moments in this journey comes with Walmart’s recent decision to step back from its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and exit the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey.
Walmart found itself between the rock of our friend Robby Starbuck’s public platform and the hard place of our group of institutional investors with tens of billions of assets, all shining an uncomfortable light on the extreme DEI policies that had grown like a cancer throughout a once great company. For our part, Inspire Investing sent a letter to Walmart in late October pushing on the DEI issue, along with additional letters and direct communications with investor relations in recent months focused to keep dangerous chemical abortion drugs out of Walmart’s pharmacies. Others in our coalition added their weight to the conversation, including over a dozen state treasurers and financial officers. Robby Starbuck’s social media platform provided the final spark, lighting the flame which has burst into a blaze of glorious reform.
This decision represents more than just a corporate policy shift; it’s a victory for the Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) movement and a testament to the power of faith-driven stewardship. It’s proof that our voices—when united in purpose and conviction—can inspire companies to align with principles of integrity, respect, and biblical values.
For years, Walmart participated in the HRC’s CEI survey, which scores companies based on their alignment with LGBT activism and other DEI initiatives. While these policies are often framed as inclusive, they have increasingly drawn criticism for promoting ideological agendas that conflict with the deeply held beliefs of a broad swath of Americans, and especially faith-based communities.
At Inspire Investing, we’ve long advocated for a different approach—one that respects the diverse perspectives of customers and shareholders while upholding ethical practices rooted in biblical principles. Walmart’s decision to step away from the CEI survey and re-evaluate its DEI policies is a significant step in that direction.
For those of us in the BRI movement, this moment is deeply meaningful. It shows that faith-based investors can make a difference, even in the boardrooms of the world’s largest corporations. It’s a reminder that financial stewardship, when guided by biblical values, can influence the cultural and moral fabric of our society.
Walmart’s decision to move beyond its previous DEI policies and the HRC’s CEI survey sends a powerful message: corporations can succeed without caving to leftist ideologically driven pressure. They can respect all people, including those with faith-based perspectives, without being drawn into divisive or polarizing practices.
This shift is also a recognition of the broader cultural climate. Consumers and investors are growing weary of corporate activism that prioritizes an increasingly bizarre stew of sexual viewpoints, racial quotas, and divisive employee indoctrination. By stepping back from leftist DEI policy and the CEI survey, Walmart has demonstrated a commitment to serving its customers and shareholders more inclusively.
As one of the largest retailers in the world, Walmart has enormous influence. Its decision to refocus on its core mission—providing goods and services that bring value to communities—sets an example for other companies to follow.
For the Biblically Responsible Investing movement, this moment is a significant milestone. It proves that faith-driven investors and consumers have a voice in shaping corporate behavior. It also reinforces what we’ve been saying for years: aligning financial stewardship with biblical principles is not just morally right; it’s also practically effective.
When I started Inspire Investing, some questioned whether BRI could achieve competitive financial returns while adhering to strict ethical standards. Today, our firm manages billions of dollars in assets, and we’ve seen countless examples of how faith-based investing can deliver both strong financial performance and positive impact. Walmart’s decision is yet another affirmation of this truth.
Of course, there is still much work to be done. While Walmart’s decision is a victory, it’s not the end of the journey. Many companies continue to embrace policies that conflict with biblical values, and it’s our responsibility as faith-driven investors to continue engaging with them.
At Inspire Investing, we’re committed to this mission. We’ll keep advocating for change, educating investors, and empowering Christians to align their portfolios with their faith.
Walmart’s shift is a reminder of what’s possible when we remain steadfast in our convictions and work in a coordinated, strategically aligned way. It’s a call to action for every investor who wants to make a difference—not just in their financial returns, but in the world around them.
As I reflect on this moment, I’m reminded of why I started Inspire Investing in the first place. It wasn’t just to create a new investment firm; it was to honor God by helping people steward their finances according to biblical principles. Walmart’s decision is a testament to what can happen when we trust God with our resources and take bold steps to advocate for what is right.
To everyone who has supported the BRI movement—whether as an investor, financial advisor, social media influencer or simply someone who believes in the power of faith-driven stewardship—thank you. This victory belongs to all of us, and it’s a reminder that we are truly blessed to be a blessing.
Let’s keep inspiring transformation for God’s glory, one investment at a time.
Have you joined the biblically responsible investing movement yet? What are you waiting for?
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