The Catholic Church Has Long History of Environmental Stewardship, Says Holy Cross Religious Studies Professor

Faith leaders representing the world's major religions were hosted by the Vatican this week to call for strong action to protect the environment ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. 

In an article for The Conversation, Joanne Pierce, professor of religious studies at Holy Cross and a scholar whose research focuses on the medieval Church, argues that many of today's concerns about environmental issues are not new, but deeply rooted in the history of the Catholic tradition.

"Although often overshadowed by the notion that the material world is only a passing distraction, reverence for a creation deeply loved by God has also been an important part of Catholic tradition. Contemporary teaching on the environment is only its most recent expression," says Pierce.

To read the full article, go to TheConversation.com.