Preachin' and Plowin'

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference provides many important resources for reflection upon rural life and agriculture.  Their statement on stewardship is a helpful summary:  "All of Creation is sacred and we are called to serve as faithful stewards. Creation has an integrity and inherent value beyond its usefulness to human beings. Human beings are to be responsible stewards of creation: In this activity we work in harmony with God as co-creators. The web of life is one. The way we treat animals carries moral significance. We cannot casually inflict pain on them; their modes of living deserve study and appreciation. Animal welfare should be a moral concern."