During a sustainability conference in Florianópolis, Brazil, leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasized their commitment to caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé addressed the audience at the Seminario SUD Americano 2023 event, organized by the non-profit Roble del Sur Foundation. The conference revolved around the theme of “Our Stewardship of God’s Creations.”
According to Elder Christofferson, “In all aspects of our earthly stewardships, our love of God and our discipleship of Jesus Christ will be a sure guide, and surely, we will do real good in the world.” He encouraged the attendees to become instruments in the hand of God and make their lives a blessing for present, past, and future generations.
The church has also revealed its stance on environmental stewardship and conservation. In a statement, the church referred to humans as “stewards over the earth” and emphasized the importance of gratefully using the resources provided by God, while avoiding wastefulness and assisting the less fortunate. The statement emphasizes that defacing the earth is offensive to God. Bishop Caussé delved into the purpose behind the creation of the Earth, stating that it serves as a means to fulfill Heavenly Father’s eternal plans. He highlighted that the Earth and everything within it, including nature’s elements and diverse creatures, exists to enable God’s children to achieve eternal exaltation and immeasurable blessings within eternal family units.
Elder Christofferson further emphasized how caring for our bodies, preserving the sanctity of life, and actively engaging in political and religious matters are all integral to fulfilling our stewardship of God’s creations. He stressed that although God’s creations are to be appreciated, it is essential to worship the Creator and honor Him by utilizing His gifts to accomplish His will.
Bishop Caussé then outlined six specific initiatives undertaken by the church to reduce waste and promote sustainability. These include: utilizing energy-efficient materials and renewable resources, implementing waterwise landscaping and management projects, transitioning to 100% recyclable sacrament cups, improving the fuel efficiency of church vehicles, advocating for sustainable farming and ranching techniques, and practicing sustainable building techniques.
In conclusion, Bishop Caussé issued a heartfelt invitation for individuals to bless their families, communities, and the world by caring for the environment and adopting lifestyles that respect, preserve, and enhance God’s magnificent creations.
