Stewardship
In Catholic Social Teaching (CST), stewardship refers to the responsibility that individuals and communities have to care for and manage the resources of the Earth in a way that honours God and promotes the common good. It emphasizes the ethical use and preservation of God's creation, acknowledging that humans are caretakers (or stewards) of the environment, rather than owners.
Key Aspects of Stewardship in Catholic Social Teaching:
Respect for Creation: Stewardship highlights the belief that the Earth and all that is in it are gifts from God. As caretakers, humans are called to respect, protect, and preserve the natural world, ensuring that future generations can benefit from it as well.
Environmental Responsibility: Catholics are urged to live in a way that respects the environment, including reducing waste, conserving resources, and addressing issues like pollution and climate change. This aligns with the idea that God entrusted humans with the care of the Earth, and it is a moral duty to protect it.
Sustainable Use of Resources: Stewardship also means using the Earth's resources in a sustainable and just way, ensuring that both present and future generations have access to the necessities of life, such as clean water, air, and food. This involves finding a balance between development and conservation.
Justice and Solidarity: Stewardship is linked to social justice, as the responsible use of resources should also support the well-being of all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Catholic Social Teaching calls for solidarity, where the rich and powerful use their resources to help lift up the less fortunate, while ensuring the Earth’s resources are used equitably.
Human Dignity: In this context, stewardship extends beyond the environment and includes the care for human life and dignity. Ensuring that all people have access to the resources necessary for living a dignified life is part of fulfilling the moral duty of stewardship.
In summary, stewardship in Catholic Social Teaching calls for a deep respect for God's creation, a responsible and sustainable use of resources, and a commitment to justice, ensuring the well-being of both the environment and all people, especially the marginalized