The Catholic Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amid the challenges of modern society. Here is the seventh of the seven principles of the tradition.
PRINCIPLE: CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION
We show respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
CONTEMPORARY TEACHING
In his encyclical letter On Care for Our Common Home Pope Francis wrote: “A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. . . . Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.”
ACTION
Encounter for Our Common Home is an ongoing national campaign that brings together Catholics across the country to urge U.S. Senators to enact authentic solutions to the climate crisis. These virtual and in-person encounters with our Senators come from the foundation of Catholic faith.
LEARN MORE OR JOIN THE ENCOUNTER FOR OUR COMMON HOME CAMPAIGN