Stewardship / Care of Creation

"World peace is threatened not only by the arms race, regional conflicts and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by a lack of due respect for nature, by the plundering of natural resources and by a progressive decline in the quality of life … Faced with the widespread destruction of the environment, people everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot continue to use the goods of the earth as we have in the past… a new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge which, rather than being downplayed, ought to be encouraged to develop into concrete programs and initiatives."

From Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation, Message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II for the celebration of the World Day of Peace, January 1, 1990

Though the specific mission of CRS is not directly focused on environmental justice, CRS upholds stewardship as one its guiding principles: that there is an inherent integrity to all of creation that requires careful stewardship of all our resources, ensuring that we use and distribute them justly and equitably, as well as planning for future generations. Much of the work of CRS, particularly access to water and food, depends upon equitable sharing of resources and universal care of all creation. In order for CRS to properly serve the poor around the world, our work depends upon how many interdependent relationships fit together as a harmonious whole, inclusive of environmental care and sustainability.

The recent attention on global climate change has led to a renewed interest in the environment and is creating a new generation of activists for the care of all creation. Young people seek an understanding of how our rich faith tradition fosters respect for the environment. They want to understand the connection between environmental justice and human development and world peace. But such an understanding cannot be fostered overnight; it requires long-term commitment to education and action. While numerous resources are available on stewardship and environmental justice, the resources below provide a faith lens through which we can study these matters or connect environmental justice to advocacy, international development, and care for the global poor. It is our hope that this resource compilation will help lead young people to that place of "receiving God's gifts gratefully, cherishing and tending them in a responsible and accountable manner, sharing them in justice and love with all, and returning them with increase to the Lord." (Stewardship: A Disciple's Response, Washington, DC: USCCB, 2002, p. 48.)

Environmental Justice

USCCB Climate Change Justice and Health Initiative

In light of the increasing concerns about climate change and its impact on all life, but in particular the poor and vulnerable, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has created a website, "Faithful Stewards of God's Creation: A Catholic Resource for Environmental Justice," to foster dialogue, education, and action. The website contains numerous educational, prayer, program and reflection resources that link our rich faith, tradition and social teaching to the care of all creation.

Stewardship

As defined by the USCCB, stewardship is a "spirituality consisting of four parts: receiving the gifts of God with gratitude, cultivating them responsibly, sharing them lovingly in justice with others, and standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability." Numerous publications are available in English and Spanish that break open our faith call to live as good stewards.

National Catholic Rural Life Conference

A Catholic membership organization that combines the Church, care of community and care of creation, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference is also a hub for educational and prayer resources, campaigns, and policy initiatives.

The Catholic Coalition for Children and a Safe Environment

The poor and vulnerable typically suffer the most from environmental threats and decline. In the effort to link environmental protection and social justice, particularly with children in mind, a group of religious, health care, social service and policy organizations have joined together to create a Catholic constituency for children's health and a safe environment. The Catholic Coalition for Children and a Safe Environment provides an array of resources on environmental justice, particularly around public policy.

Stand Up for the Millennium Development Campaign Goals

The United Nations Millennium Development Campaign invites young and old, peoples from all walks of life throughout the world, to join a global effort to eradicate poverty. Eight goals have been identified including one that challenges us to "ensure environmental stability." Resources and additional information can be obtained through the links below.

Water

CRS: Water for Life

Water is basic to all life. Yet we often take it for granted. In developed countries, people need only turn on the tap and out comes a seemingly limitless supply of clean, healthy water. But for millions of people around the world, clean water is a precious gift. For 60 years, CRS and the the National Council of Catholic Women have been bringing that gift to poor families all over the world. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this partnership, the National Council of Catholic Women has produced a new DVD highlighting the water program. Entitled Water for Life, the video explores why more than 1 billion people around the world do not have adequate access to clean water. A discussion guide is also available for use with the DVD.

Precious Water

A recent issue of CRS publication, The Wooden Bell, was titled "Precious Water" and featured stories on water projects throughout the world.

Solidarity Springs from Water

The Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN and the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya, with the facilitation of Catholic Relief Services, established a Global Solidarity Partnership in 2004. A Global Solidarity Partnership is a program of CRS whereby a Catholic diocese or cluster of parishes in the United States and a diocese overseas develop a relationship based in mutuality and shared faith. During a mutual planning session in Kitui, Kenya in October of 2005, leaders of the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya and the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN came together to discuss what types of initiatives they would undertake as part of their newly established Global Solidarity Partnership. In addition to sharing models of small Christian communities, fostering women lay leadership, connecting like groups in both dioceses, and offering prayers for each other, the two dioceses committed to engage together on a water project.

The H2O Project

Help drill clean water wells around the world. By drinking only water for two weeks, participants are encouraged to save the money that would be spent on other beverages and donate the money to well drilling projects. You can even contribute the money to the projects in Kitua, Kenya described in the story above.

The United Nations: Water for Life Decade of Action

In 2003, the UN General Assembly declared 2005-2015 as an "International Decade for Action / Water for Life" in the effort to encourage the fulfillment of the international commitments made on water and water-related issues. While youth-oriented resources are limited to a Kids Corner, there are numerous informative papers that shed light on the world's water situation and concerns and should prove eye-opening for both youth and adults.

Environmental Education

Earth Day Resources

Each year, Earth day is commemorated on April 22. Numerous resources are available to help educate young people about environmental issues and motivate them to respond as good stewards of creation.

Earth Day Network
Initiated with the first Earth Day in 1970, this network promotes environmental responsibility and maintains a comprehensive listing of resources appropriate for both faith-based and civic settings. Download the Earth Day in A Box Toolkit.
American Catholic
Check out the Catholic publisher's prayer resources, reflections and peace pledge for Earth Day. Resources include an informative article on Fair Trade connections to Earth Day.

Educational Simulations and Resources

The following resources links provide an educational focus on the environment:

Environmental Justice Resource Manual
Published by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, and developed with the help of a grant from the USCC Environmental Justice Program, this manual provides parishes, schools and diocesan groups with prayer experiences, reflection on Catholic Social Tradition, meditations and other activities that foster a rich exploration of our faith's tradition respect for all creation. Order this resource through NFCYM's online store!
Ecological Footprint Quiz
Invite young people to take this quiz to measure individual impact on nature based on personal habits and place of origin.
To Till and To Tend
An environmental justice simulation developed by the Coalition of the Environment and Jewish Life
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