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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 the 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 by itself.

The human community, with its special call to be 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 another perspective on our evangelical life and the Dominican charism from our awakening understanding of the interconnectedness of God's creation.

 

The Dominican of St. Catharine, Kentucky 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.
 


"Never doubt that a small group of committed persons can change the world.  Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
                            Margaret Mead

Focusing a Vision
    
 By the end of the nineteenth century many naturalists had begun to observe the  tree devastation of the North American continent by the growing industrialization of our nation's economy. The natural resources, the native flora and fauna, became material to translate into means of production to manufacture consumer goods.

Aldo Leopold was one of the strong voices that defended the beauty and abundance of the natural world in these United States. In his book, A SAND COUNTY ALMANAC, he put forth an ethic for an awakened moral behavior of human engagement with the natural world. That ethic is critical as the living systems diminish.

In our on-going exploration of how to preserve our land, the land trust committee shared with the Governing Board an article entitled "Land Ethic" from Aldo Leopold's book.   After study and reflection, the Board found it helpful in deepening possibility and insight. They then suggested that the article  be made available to the membership.  In our corporate study and reflection, we hold before us the question of meaning.  What could this mean for us?  How does this offer a vehicle for embracing our values and hopes for the future of our land? How might we develop a land ethic?

We are not alone in this quest.  Many religious congregations are asking the same questions.  Many have land trust committees such as ours.  Some have developed their own land ethic as a way to articulate their values and sent direction for the future.  To see one such example go to the Blauvelt Dominican Web site .  Once in their site, click on "justice".  At the top of the "justice" page, click "land ethic". 

Take a walk around St. Catharine's

 

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