To Care for the Earth
A Land Ethic

We, the Dominicans of St. Catharine, Kentucky, believe that:

Through our contemplation of Truth and our growing awareness of “the interconnectedness of all God’s Creation”

Through our Christ-like compassion for the needs of the oppressed and marginalized

Through our delight in the divine Mystery as that Mystery is revealed in the sacred web of life

We have begun to recognize that all life is sustained in relationship to the Earth.

Because:

All creation bears the imprint of God’s nature and represents God’s goodness more than any single part of itself

The human community, with its special call to be the earth’s self-reflective consciousness, must exercise a right conscience in relationship to Creation.

We are guided by the Bishops of the United States in their pastoral declaration that, “justice for the poor and justice for the environment are inseparable.”

The stabilization of our lands can provide a new articulation of our evangelical life and the Dominican charism from our awakening understanding of the interconnectedness of all God’s creation.

The Dominicans of St. Catharine will:

Be guided by religious, ethical and economic principles that promote reverence and justice for the living systems and life communities of place as we make decisions regarding our land

Ensure that planning will focus on the future good of the land and the whole community of life

Evaluate the consequences of all our decisions made in regard to land in light of our mission/vision to enhance the interconnectedness of all God’s creation.

August 2001