SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER

Social Justice Principle for April 2024 (adapted from NETWORK)

Nurture the earth, recognizing that we are interdependent with the rest of God’s creation.  God gave human beings the task of caring for and nurturing all of creation. Our health and well-being are dependent upon that of the earth and all its creatures. We must care for the earth in such a way that its bounty can provide for and sustain future generations. As creation was entrusted to all of God’s children, all people have an equal right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Because those living in poverty are disproportionately affected by environmental ruin, we cannot separate concern for creation from concern for justice.  What can we at St. James do to follow this principle?

• Join the St. James Garden Group!
• Recycle and reuse.
• Support sustainable development.
• Celebrate Arbor Day, April 6 in Missouri, and Earth Day, April 22, internationally.
• Call for investments in green jobs.
• Advocate in solidarity with people living in poverty.

We follow Pope Francis in challenging a “throwaway culture” and an “economy of exclusion” as sources of harm to our common home.  We want future generations to thrive in a peaceful and healthy world, free from war over.  resources, where all have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and nourishing food to eat.