Principle of Stewardship

The Principle of Stewardship states that God has entrusted humanity with responsibility over the earth.
The earth is considered SACRED, and creation possesses its intrinsic value.
Humanity is obligated to care for the earth, treating it with respect.
We must cherish the earth's ecological diversity, beauty, and life-sustaining properties.
It is essential to ensure that the goods of the earth are managed responsibly and ethically.
There is a clear understanding that humans do not own the earth; instead, we are stewards (caretakers) of it.
- This stewardship implies a duty to hold the earth in trust for future generations.

The document presents a moral and spiritual challenge to humanity regarding environmental stewardship.
Key themes include:
- Care for God's creation: Emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the environment.
- Impact for the poor: Recognizes that environmental degradation disproportionately affects poorer communities.
- Called to solidarity: Encourages unity among people in efforts to care for the earth.
- Technological and economic development: Stipulates that these must serve human beings and enhance human dignity, rather than degrade it.
- Supporting life and protecting creation: Insists on the necessity of fostering both, highlighting the intrinsic connection between humanity and the earth.
- A time to act: Stresses urgency in taking action towards environmental issues.
- Hope and Joy: Infers that positive responses to these challenges can lead to renewed hope and joy in life, both for individuals and communities.