Stewardship

Stewardship and the Catholic Identity

Gonzaga University seeks to promote the quality of the environment through the principles of sustainability rooted in the tradition of our Catholic heritage. Pope Francis brands environmental exploitation as a sin of modern times and claims that, "This is one of the greatest challenges of our time: to convert ourselves to a type of development that knows how to respect creation..." As citizens of the earth it is our shared responsibility to value life, raise issues involving social injustice, and seek solutions to our current ecological crisis.

St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor

On October 7, 2013 Former University President Thayne McCulloh signed the St. Francis pledge and said, Gonzaga recognizes the impact of our actions on people around the world, "especially those among us who are vulnerable and therefore suffer the most from climate change and environmental degradation". The St. Francis Pledge is a promise and commitment to:

  • PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God's Creation and protect the poor and vulnerable.
  • LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.
  • ASSESS how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations-contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc.
  • ACT to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change.
  • ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.

For more information on the St. Francis Pledge and the Catholic Climate Covenant click here.

Jesuit Identity and Stewardship

Environmental stewardship is an expression of the University's mission and Jesuit Identity. Jesuit tradition fosters the use of intellectual, humanistic, and moral resources as a foundation to build a more sustainable, less wasteful campus.

Additional Resources