Environmental justice: a catholic voice: a consensus is emerging: stewardship of creation is every believer's duty

A new and distinctively Catholic voice on environmental issues has evolved over the last decade. It links traditional church teaching on creation, the common good, social justice and stewardship to major environmental challenges. This often overlooked development is found in initiatives in parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions across the country:

* In the Northwest, the bishops issued a major pastoral reflection on the Columbia River that offers a moral vision of pursuing the common good in the midst of polarization and conflict [see America 11/24/03, p. 13];

* In Florida, the dioceses are urging community-wide efforts to protect ...