The church may not have branches quite everywhere, but an increasing willingness by faith investors to pursue cross-border alliances could increase their influence when it comes to pressing their case as shareholders.

Churches in north America, including the Mormons, whose assets have been estimated at between $25bn and $30bn, often wield greater capital clout than their UK counterparts. They are also active in shareholder engagement and signs are now emerging that such investors are increasingly fighting side by side.