Sister Frances Lorene Lange Honored at Socially Responsible Investment Coalition Annual Event

On April 22, the Socially Responsible Investment Coalition (SRIC) held its annual education event at the Whitley Theological Center in San Antonio. This year’s program focused on the rising costs of healthcare and their consequences for both patients and providers, particularly in Texas, where decisions like the refusal to expand Medicaid continue to deepen access disparities. The evening examined corporate consolidation in the healthcare sector, the shrinking availability of mental health professionals, and systemic barriers rooted in immigration status and political funding pressures.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Citizen Advocate Excellence Award to Sister Frances Lorene Lange, CDP, honoring her groundbreaking leadership in socially responsible investing and her unwavering commitment to justice and peace. In 1974, Sister Frances Lorene began to envision what would become the Coalition for Responsible Investment in Texas. Collaborating with Fr. Mike Crosby, OFM Cap, she helped lay the foundation for what was formally launched as Texas CRI in 1982, eventually evolving into today’s SRIC.

Thanks to her vision, what started as a small network of faith-based congregations has grown into a powerful alliance, advocating for shareholder responsibility, environmental stewardship, and corporate accountability. Through resolutions and direct corporate engagement, SRIC channels faith into action, advancing a more equitable and compassionate society.

The event also recognized the Congregation of Divine Providence / Providence Trust as founders of SRIC. From the early days of walking dusty paths to educate rural children, to today’s sophisticated financial advocacy, the Congregation’s legacy of compassion and courage endures. Their witness to God’s providential love has always been a beacon of transformation, and today that light continues through their impact in the economic, environmental, and justice spheres.

As SRIC looks toward the future, it does so carrying the DNA of its founders. Sister Frances Lorene Lange, CDP, has not only helped write the story of SRIC; she embodies the Congregation’s enduring call to being the loving face of our Provident God.