Sustainable Development and Faith.

Abstract

The contribution of faith-based input to the broader idea of sustainable development has not been widely acknowledged in the traditional sense; however, recent global events suggest it may warrant further exploration. This qualitative study examines how faith-based activities, such as missionary work, have historically and can continue to contribute significantly to the environmental, economic, and human/social aspects of organizational decision-making. The focus is on the Catholic faith, specifically the role played by the Irish-based Medical Missionaries of Mary religious congregation in the mid-to-late twentieth century. An initial literature review was conducted to gather information from various sources to define sustainable development, also known as sustainability. Semistructured interviews were then carried out with five Sisters from the Medical Missionaries of Mary congregation. The findings indicate that a faith-based foundation enriches the human condition with unique values. The distinctive patterns and subsequent themes identified through the narrative theme analysis method identified three central values: (i) a spirit of solidarity, (ii) an inclination for self-sacrifice, and (iii) a commitment to serving others. The faith-based principles discussed in this study contributed positively to the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 16 (SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 16).