"...the lay faithful are called to restore to creation all its original value. In ordering creation to the authentic well-being of humanity in an activity governed by the life of grace, the lay faithful share in the exercise of the power with which the risen Christ draws all things to himself and subjects them along with himself to the Father, so that God might be everything to everyone (cf. 1 Cor 15:28; Jn 12:32)."

~Pope John Paul II, Christfideles Laici, #14, (Dec. 18, 1988)

The lay faithful are called to restore to creation all its original value. In ordering creation to the authentic well-being of humanity in an activity governed by the life of grace, the lay faithful share in the exercise of the power with which the risen Christ draws all things to himself and subjects them along with himself to the Father, so that God might be everything to everyone (cf. 1 Cor 15:28; Jn 12:32)....

According to the creation narratives found in the book of Genesis, God’s original purpose for humankind included care for “the earth… the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and all the living things that creep on earth.” (Gen. 1:28)  Jews, Christians, and all those who take this text to be authoritative therefore affirm that guardianship of the goods of God’s creation is central to what it means to be “human.”  This passage has, however, tragically been understood by some as a “dominion mandate” – that humankind was afforded the divine prerogative to do with creation is we saw fit.  This theological fallacy has led to dire consequences.  Contemporary theologians and religious leaders throughout the world, including Pope John II, have flatly rejected this misconstrual and have recaptured a more accurate view of our rightful relation to creation: stewardship.

Catholic Christians affirm that God can be known and experienced through the beauty of creation, “for his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” (Rom. 1:20)  Creation is therefore understood to be a vehicle for encountering God’s majesty, power, providential purpose, and grace.  This affirmation of the goodness and integrity of God’s creation – especially as a vehicle to bridge the chasm between the sacred and the profane –

is known as a “sacramental view” of creation.

Based on these perspectives – the call to stewardship and the “sacramental view” of creation – the Franciscan Coalition Environmental Advocacy team endeavors to encourage faithful stewardship of the earth’s goods by promoting environmental awareness, sustainable living, and communities of cultivated stewardship.

Will you join us?