Passionate Steward - 10th Anniversary Edition

154 THE PASSIONATE STEWARD
In this sense a legacy of faith allows us to project our values
beyond the present and into the future. At its core is the conviction
that we simply do not need all the resources we have amassed in
life, no matter how much or how little, and that, whether in life or
in death, we would like to return to God a portion of the bounty with
which we have been entrusted. Generosity is not quantifiable, based
on a measure of wealth, but is rather the willingness to respond to
grace, and to use the abundance that comes from God for the good
of the Church and humanity. Creating a legacy of faith is one way
to fulfill the values inherent in the idea of Jubilee, by restoring
opportunity, hope and resources to our brothers and sisters at the
turn of every generation.
In addition to being consistent with the practice of our faith, a
planned gift can in many instances be an important part of wise
financial planning. As a matter of public policy, both Americans and
Canadians have enjoyed significant expansions in the favorable tax
treatment of planned gifts. In 2001, for example, through the
leadership of organizations like the Canadian Association of Gift
Planners (CAGP), the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency made
permanent a 50% capital gains tax reduction on the gift of publicly
traded securities to charities, including the Church. In both the United
States and Canada, a gift of such securities and other structured estate
gifts can significantly reduce estate taxes, thereby ensuring that one’s
family and other heirs, such as the Church, are the principal
beneficiaries of one’s life work. While favorable tax treatment will
never be the motivation for making a charitable gift, the promotion of
philanthropy in public policy can greatly encourage people to include
planned generosity as part of their life-long commitment as passionate
stewards. Remember, tax credits are not a reason to give. They may
make giving easier, but a joyful heart and the desire to be a passionate
steward are always at the core of a generous gift, freely given.
The benefits of creating a legacy of faith during one’s own
lifetime are undeniable: most notable is the satisfaction of actually