Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.
Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.
Human Dignity -We are beautifully made in the image and likeness of God.
Each of us is made in God’s image. Every person has an innate human dignity no one can take away. Our common humanity requires that we respect and uphold the dignity of each and every individual. Everything else flows from this dignity.
“Human persons are willed by God; they are imprinted with God’s image. Their dignity does not come from the work they do, but from the persons they are.” Saint Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, 11
The common Good- We are called to work for the good of each and of all.
Our actions have an impact on everyone. When we make decisions, we should consider the good of all. The common good is about respecting the rights and responsibilities of all people and leaving no one behind.
“The whole is greater than the part, but it is also greater than the sum of its parts.” Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 235.
Participation - We all have the right and duty to participate fully in society.
We live in community with others, growing together. We are called to be active participants in all that we do. We have a responsibility to be inclusive so that we allow all people to participate.
“It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1913
Subsidiarity - We are called to empower communities, to let everyone have a say.
Subsidiarity involves making sure that decisions are made at the most appropriate level, so all those affected can contribute and have a voice. Everyone has important ideas and knows what is best for their families and communities. They need to have a say and the chance to influence outcomes.
“Development programmes, if they are to be adapted to individual situations, need to be flexible; and the people who benefit from them ought to be directly involved in their planning and implementation.” Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 47
STewardship - We are guardians of God’s creation, living sustainably and enhancing the wellbeing of our planet.
Stewardship is all about caring for the many gifts that God has given to us. These include our environment, our own talents and other resources. All living things are connected so we must use God’s gifts responsibly to meet the needs of everyone, now and in the future.
“Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 13
Solidarity - God created us as one global family called to support our brothers and sisters.
Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working for their good. We are connected to people and places all over the world.
“... all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Preferential Option for the Poor - The needs of poor and vulnerable people should be put first.
A preferential option for the poor means that we think first about the needs of those who are the most vulnerable. Jesus taught that when we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick and visit those imprisoned, we are looking after Him.
“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty!” Pope Francis, 26 July 2013
Distributive Justice - Everyone should have access to their fair share of resources.
God’s plan was for all people to share in the goods of this world. This means that no person should struggle to have the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing. Distributive justice is all about fair allocation of resources (including income, goods and services).
“The principle of the universal destination of goods is an invitation... to bring about a world of fairness and solidarity...” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 174
Promoting peace - We can be God’s instruments of peace through seeking justice.
Peace is not just the absence of war. It is part of God’s nature, and a value we should all seek to live out in our daily lives. Peace comes from both justice and love and is dependent upon people understanding one another..
“...those who promote peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:20