Environmental and Social Justice in Catholic Teaching: Laudato Si, Stewardship, and Human Rights

Laudato Si

A 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis that teaches care for the environment ("our common home") and connects environmental issues to human dignity and the common good.

Renewing the Earth

A U.S. bishops document calling Catholics to environmental responsibility through stewardship, justice, and care for creation.

Dominance

The belief that humans can control and use nature however they want.

Equality (Creation view)

The idea that humans and all parts of creation have equal value and rights.

Indifference

Lack of care or concern for the environment.

Stewardship

The belief that humans are entrusted by God to care for creation responsibly.

Rights

God-given entitlements based on human dignity (life, food, shelter, etc.).

Responsibilities

Duties we have to others and society to protect the common good.

Reciprocal Relationship

Rights and responsibilities depend on each other—you can't have one without the other.

Globalization

The growing interconnection of the world economically, socially, and culturally.

Place at the Table

A model where individuals, communities, businesses, and government work together to promote justice and reduce poverty.

Pacem in Terris

A 1963 Church document stating that human rights come from dignity and must be balanced with responsibilities.

Common Good

The social conditions that allow all people to reach their full potential.

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

A CST principle that says people are social and must participate in society.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

The most basic CST principle: every human life is sacred and valuable.

Rights are not absolute

Your rights can be limited if they harm others or the common good.

Rutilio Grande

A priest killed for defending the poor; his death inspired Romero's transformation.

The 14 Families

Wealthy oligarchy that controlled most land and power in El Salvador.

FMLN

A group of leftist political movements that fought against government injustice.

La Matanza

A massacre of peasants in the 1930s after they protested injustice.

The Church (division)

Split between supporting the government or defending the poor.

Martyr

Someone who is killed for their faith or for standing up for justice.

Romero as a "safe" choice

He was initially chosen as Archbishop because leaders thought he wouldn't challenge the system.

Romero's conversion

After Grande's death, Romero began openly defending the poor and speaking against injustice.

Care for Creation responsibilities

Protect the environment, reduce waste, and act in ways that respect future generations.

Stewardship relationship

God cares for humans → humans must care for creation.

Rights and responsibilities connection

If you have a right (like using resources), you also have a responsibility (not to harm others or the planet).