A CATECHISM OF CREATION, an Episcopal Understanding was prepared for study in congregations by The Committee on Science, Technology and Faith of The Executive Council, The Episcopal Church in the United States of America. The objective was to “help Episcopalians become better informed about fundamental elements of both Christian faith and modern science. It serves as an invitation to congregations to develop an intentional ministry of caring for creation in their own communities and to inspire them to incorporate celebration of the creation in common worship. The Catechism presents the biblical basis for the church’s commitment to an ethic of caring for creation and suggests ways in which individuals and congregations might live out this ministry. A few excepts can be found below.
- Biblical Understanding: “Christ came not just to save our souls, but for all of God’s creation: “Christ is the Word through whom all things were made (John 1:3) and the one who holds all of creation together in himself (Col. 1:16-17). The New Testament teaches that Christ came to redeem the whole of creation and not merely human beings (Rom. 8:19-22; Eph. 1:10; Col. 1:20; 2 Cor. 5:19).”
- Scientific Understanding: “We can learn about the great diversity of living things and their environments, and urge our neighbors, churches and governments to become better educated about regional, national and global pressures on the environment. With better knowledge we can do a better job of keeping species and their habitats free from harm.”
- Putting Faith & Science into Action: “As congregations we can practice conservation and care wisely for our church properties. As individuals and congregations we can become examples and provide leadership to our local communities of wise stewardship. Likewise we can seek to influence our governments to develop wise environmental policies. As Christians we have the power of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling Spirit of Christ to give us hope and courage. Confident in that power, cooperating with God, we may act with energy to make God’s good earth a fit dwelling place for all of God’s creatures, now and for the future.”
Source: Catechism of Creation, An Episcopal Understanding, https://www.episcopalchurch.org/files/CreationCatechism.pdf