Catholic Social Teaching and Environmental Stewardship

Creation

The act of God bringing the universe and all life into being; seen as good and sacred in Catholic teaching.

Dominance

A distorted understanding of human power over creation that leads to exploitation rather than care.

Indifference

A lack of concern or action in the face of environmental degradation or social injustice.

Stewardship

The responsible management of Earth and its resources, acknowledging that creation is a gift from God entrusted to humanity.

Integral Ecology

A concept from Laudato Si emphasizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues.

Solidarity

A firm and persevering commitment to the common good, especially with the poor and vulnerable.

USCCB Definition of Stewardship

The recognition that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to manage it responsibly.

Biblical Roots of Care for Creation

Found in Genesis and Psalms, emphasizing that humans are caretakers, not owners, of the Earth.

Pope Francis on Environmental Degradation

Calls for urgent action to combat ecological crises, linking care for creation to care for the poor.

Rights

Things every person is entitled to (e.g., food, water, shelter, education, work).

Responsibilities

Duties we have to others and society to ensure that everyone's rights are respected and protected.

Basic Rights vs. Thriving Rights

In Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII distinguishes between rights needed to survive (food, shelter) and those that allow people to flourish (education, cultural participation).

Biblical Roots of Rights & Responsibilities

Derived from the dignity of the human person and the call to love one's neighbor (e.g., Isaiah, Matthew 25).

Gratuitousness (Caritas in Veritate)

A concept by Pope Benedict XVI calling for generosity and self-gift beyond profit or personal gain.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of nations and peoples; can enhance or hinder development depending on how it's managed.

Reciprocal

Mutual exchange and relationship where both parties give and receive.

Romero

Archbishop of El Salvador who became a voice for the poor and was martyred for speaking against injustice.

Liberation Theology

A movement in Latin American Catholicism emphasizing the liberation of the poor from social, political, and economic oppression.

La Matanza

A 1932 massacre in El Salvador where thousands of indigenous people and peasants were killed, often cited in Liberation Theology history.

Rutilio Grande

A Jesuit priest and friend of Romero who was assassinated for his advocacy for the poor.

Martyr

Someone who dies for their faith or beliefs, especially in the pursuit of justice.

The 14 Families

A symbol of El Salvador's oligarchy—elite families who controlled most of the wealth and land.

Conversion

A transformation of heart and mind, often involving a deeper commitment to justice, faith, and service.

Pacem in Terris (1963)

By Pope John XXIII; emphasizes human rights, peace, and duties that flow from our shared humanity.

Populorum Progressio (1967)

By Pope Paul VI; focuses on the development of peoples and the need for global solidarity and just economic systems.

A Place at the Table (2002)

USCCB document advocating for the inclusion of the poor in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Economic Justice for All (1986)

U.S. bishops' letter calling for a moral evaluation of the U.S. economy with a focus on the poor and vulnerable.

Laudato Si (2015)

By Pope Francis; calls for care for our common home and introduces the idea of "integral ecology."

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

A principle of Catholic social teaching emphasizing the inherent dignity of every human life.

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

A principle of Catholic social teaching that emphasizes the importance of family and community in social life.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

A principle of Catholic social teaching that prioritizes the needs of the poor and vulnerable in society.

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

A principle of Catholic social teaching that emphasizes the importance of work and the rights of workers.

Care for God's Creation

A principle of Catholic social teaching that emphasizes the responsibility to care for the environment.