Winter A • 2010-2011
The Catholic Church
as Steward of Creation
Scriptural Foundation
The Catholic Church’s commission to care for the earth
is rooted in the book of Genesis where God creates the
world and finds favor with it:
“God looked at everything he had made
and found it very good” (Genesis 1:31).
The first humans were also appointed as stewards of
creation by the divine Maker:
“The Lord God then took the man
and settled him in the Garden of Eden,
to cultivate and care for it” (Genesis 2:15).
The creation-centered faith of God’s people is reflected
in the words of the psalmist who views the world as a
metaphor for humanity’s relationship with God:
“As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1);
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people” (Psalm 125:2).
Jesus also used creation imagery to teach the disciples
about faith and discipleship:
“Consider the lilies, how they grow” (Luke 12:27);
“I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5).
Catholic Spirituality and Teaching
Christian mystics, such as Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of
Bingen, and Julian of Norwich, did not equate the divine
with nature, but they recognized the presence and action
of God in creation. The world for them was a sacrament
of God, as Meister Eckhart wrote:
“Every creature is a word of God
and is a book about God.”
Such poetic writings formed the foundation for a vibrant
school of thought known as Creation Theology, a spiritu-
ality that both informs and inspires the Church’s mission
as steward of the environment.
Catholic teaching has been vocal in linking the environ-
mental crisis to the plight of the poor and the prospects
SR-00-WA-10-C-The Catholic Church as Steward of Creation
©2010 by Morehouse Education Resources • All rights reserved • www.livingthegoodnews.com • 1-800-242-1918
of future generations. For the World Day of Peace in
2010, Pope Benedict XVI chose the theme: “If you want
to cultivate peace, protect creation.” He went on to say:
“Environmental pollution is making particularly
unsustainable the lives of the poor of the world.
We must pledge ourselves to take care of creation
and to share its resources in solidarity.”
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB) has strived to translate creation spirituality into
pastoral action. In 1993, the bishops formed an initiative
they called the “Environmental Justice Program: Caring
for God’s Creation.”
The environment link on the USCCB Website (www.
usccb.org/sdwp/national/environment.shtml) offers a wealth
of resources supporting environmental education, civic
responsibility, and legislative advocacy. It includes major
statements on the environment intended “to promote a
vision of a just and sustainable world community.”
Catholic Institutions Sound the Call
Catholic institutions have exhibited a renewed sense of
environmental responsibility to help create a just and
sustainable future. Catholic Charities has a link about
climate change on their Website that calls caring for the
earth “a requirement of our faith” and lists practical ways
to “Go Green” in order to reduce poverty (www.catholic-
charitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1724).
Catholic Relief Services is working around the world
to promote food security, water conservation, and
responsible agriculture. Catholic hospitals have won
awards for their efforts to shape policies and procedures
in accord with environmental protection.
Care for Creation is listed under the concerns of the
Office of Peace and Justice in Chicago. In Florida,
dioceses have encouraged community efforts to conserve
limited water supplies. Numerous local churches sponsor
initiatives through parish committees.
Meanwhile, religious orders have also been leading the
way. The Franciscans have brought environmental issues
before the United Nations. The Sisters of Loretto have
developed a “Loretto Land Ethic” and have built a retreat
cabin on their Motherhouse property entirely out of

The Catholic Church
as Steward of Creation
natural materials recycled from the land (www.lorettocom-
munity.org/justice.html).
Catholic education has been a major force in sowing
seeds of consciousness raising and community action.
Both science and theology curriculums address environ-
mental issues while liturgical celebrations incorporate
ecological symbols and themes. Practical initiatives
include placing recycling bins in classrooms, copy rooms,
and cafeterias. Student councils and clubs often take
the lead in providing peer education and spearheading
involvement.
Winter A • 2010-2011
A Cooperative Mission
In her mission of stewardship, the Church works in
concert with the many great local and international
organizations that strive to create a sustainable world for
all and to preserve with reverence the sacramental beauty
of God’s creation. It is the vision of the Church that the
spirit of God calls, enlightens, and empowers us to do
this vital work. It was in the natural forces of wind and
fire that the presence of the Spirit was first manifested
on Pentecost Sunday. The Church commits herself to
prayerful environmental action so that the Spirit might
come again with power:

“When you send forth your spirit they are created;

and you renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).

“Today the great gift of God’s Creation

is exposed to serious dangers
and lifestyles which can degrade it.
Environmental pollution is making
particularly unsustainable
the lives of the poor of the world…
we must pledge ourselves
to take care of creation
and to share its resources
in solidarity.”
— Pope Benedict XVI

©2010 by Morehouse Education Resources • All rights reserved • www.livingthegoodnews.com • 1-800-242-1918