The creation of a sustainable and just world calls for a virtue-based approach. Agricultural leaders, especially at national and international policy levels, know the extent of food, hunger, and poverty problems the world faces. A virtue-based approach – one we believe should be based on Gospel values – can reshape the economy with a more human face. Only by locating the economy within the just needs of society and the ecological balance of the earth can we turn from the disastrous path we are on. Human beings are meant to be responsible stewards of creation, and indeed we can say that we work in harmony with God as co-creators. Just as God is One, the web of life is one and we are its caring stewards. How we live on God’s land cannot be disconnected to how we live in community as social beings. If we are to sustain ourselves in authentic community, we must maintain a healthy environment, we must develop a beneficial economy, and we must build a just society.

Therefore, now is the time for concerted action. Appropriate governance structures and institutions related to the interrelated issues of food, water, energy and climate change will be crucial for the future of the world, and more immediately for the poor and hungry. What can Christian and faith-based organizations around the world do about these challenges? How can they walk alongside agricultural leaders in this urgent endeavor? Each in their own ways, how can agricultural leaders analyze their respective situations, apply the teachings of their faith, and provide a new course of action?

Proceed to ACTING: From Aspirations to Practice