Frugality is the corrective to a cardinal vice of the age: prodigality - excessively taking from and wasting God’s creation. On a finite planet, frugality is an expression of love and an instrument for justice and sustainability: it enables all life to thrive together by sparing and sharing global goods. (Ecumenical statement God’s Earth is Sacred, 2004. [III.C.1.y.])

Participation

Participation in society and in the ongoing process of creation is the necessary condition for justice. Participation requires a recognition of everyone’s right to be consulted and undertood, regardless of that person’s economic, political, or social status. Participation is not possible without power. In such decision making, everyone has the right to be consulted… (United Methodist Church, U.S. Agriculture and Rural Communities in Crisis, 1996. [IV.C.4.e.]).

Sustainability

For eco-justice, sustainability means, first of all, the capacity of natural systems to go on functioning properly, so that the living creatures that belong to these systems may thrive. As a norm for human behavior sustainability expresses the meaning of God’s call to earth-keeping: Relate to the natural world so that its stability, integrity, and beauty may be maintained. (Presbyterian Church (USA), Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice, 1990. [III.C.1.s.])

Integrity of Creation and Creatures

…the covenant of justice [includes] all other life forms as beloved creatures of God and as expressions of God’s presence, wisdom, power, and glory. We do not determine nor declare creation’s value, and other creatures should not be treated merely as instruments for our needs and wants. Other species have their own integrity. They deserve a “fair share” of Earth’s bounty- a share that allows a biodiversity of life to thrive along with human communities. (Adapted from ecumenical statement God’s Earth is Sacred, 2004. [III.C.1.y.])