Catholic Social Justice Principles
Table of Contents
- Principles of Catholic Social Thought
- 1. Dignity of the Human Person
- 2. The Common Good
- 3. Solidarity
- 4. Preferential Option for the Poor
- 5. Stewardship of Creation
- 6. Subsidiarity and the Role of Government
- 7. Community and Participation
- 8. Rights and Responsibilities
- 9. Economic Justice and the Dignity of Work
- 10. Peace
Throughout history, the Church has played a significant role in addressing social issues and providing guidance on matters related to life in society. Catholic Social Teaching (CST), also known as Catholic Social Thought or the social doctrine of the Church, serves as a tool for evangelization by shedding light on the human person and society as a whole through the lens of the Gospel.
CST draws inspiration from the needs of the world and is deeply rooted in Scripture. It invites individuals to discover their transcendent nature in all aspects of life, including the social, economic, and political spheres. The principles of Catholic Social Thought are meant to guide individuals in transforming social realities with the power of the Gospel and living out their faith in practical ways.
Principles of Catholic Social Thought
Modern Catholic social teaching traces its origins back to 1891 with the encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum. Since then, the Church has offered a wealth of teachings on various topics, including the environment, human dignity, and the peaceful coexistence of nations. To distill these teachings into a set of core principles, different organizations and Church bodies have identified key themes that are central to Catholic Social Thought. Here, we present 10 principles that inspire the work of Caritas Southwark and charitable efforts across the diocese:
1. Dignity of the Human Person
The foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching is the inherent and sacred dignity of the human person. According to Scripture, every individual is created in the image and likeness of God, making each person worthy of respect and love. The Church advocates for integral human development, which encompasses the well-being of individuals in all dimensions of life, including the economic, political, social, ecological, and spiritual realms. The Church stands against threats to human life, such as cloning, euthanasia, the death penalty, and abortion, and emphasizes the value and preciousness of every person.
2. The Common Good
The common good refers to the well-being of the entire human family. Catholic Social Thought recognizes that the realization and protection of human dignity are intricately linked to the promotion of the common good. This principle calls upon individuals to prioritize the good of the human family over commercial interests and to love their neighbors both locally and globally. The Earth and its resources are intended for the use of all people, and the Church emphasizes the importance of justice and charity in ensuring that created goods are abundant and accessible to all.
3. Solidarity
Solidarity highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of all individuals. It calls for a recognition of our shared humanity and the responsibility to see ourselves in others. Solidarity requires collaboration and a commitment to strengthening communities and promoting a just society. Pope Francis emphasizes that solidarity goes beyond sporadic acts of generosity and entails thinking and acting in terms of community, prioritizing the life and well-being of all over the accumulation of goods by a few. Solidarity includes addressing the structural causes of poverty, inequality, lack of work, denial of social and labor rights, and other social issues.
4. Preferential Option for the Poor
The preferential option for the poor reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. While this principle does not advocate for neglecting others, it calls for a particular focus on those who are in the greatest need of support. The measure of a just society is often determined by how it treats its most vulnerable members. The Church sees Christ himself in the poor and advocates for love and justice to be concretely expressed through the promotion of their well-being.
5. Stewardship of Creation
Stewardship of creation emphasizes the responsibility of humanity to cherish and protect the Earth and all its inhabitants. Catholic Social Thought recognizes that the Earth and its resources are gifts from God, and therefore, it is our duty to care for them. The intrinsic value of creation is acknowledged, and the Church calls for the preservation of ecological diversity, beauty, and the life-sustaining properties of the Earth. Stewardship extends to future generations, and the Church emphasizes the need to act responsibly in preserving the Earth for their benefit.
6. Subsidiarity and the Role of Government
Subsidiarity is a principle that guides the role of government in promoting human dignity, protecting human rights, and advancing the common good. According to this principle, functions of government should be performed at the lowest level possible, as long as they can be adequately carried out. Higher levels of government should intervene when lower levels are unable to fulfill their responsibilities. Additionally, all individuals have the right to participate in economic, political, and cultural life, as well as in decision-making processes that affect their communities.
7. Community and Participation
Human beings are social creatures, and the quality of our relationships and interactions affects both individual dignity and societal progress. The institution of marriage and the family are considered vital and central to society and should be supported and strengthened. The Church recognizes the right and duty of individuals to participate in society, seeking the common good and the well-being of all, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Collaboration and participation are essential for building strong communities and promoting justice.
8. Rights and Responsibilities
Catholic Social Thought acknowledges that all individuals have rights that are necessary for human dignity. These rights arise from the needs required to live as God intended. However, these rights are intrinsically linked to the responsibility to ensure the rights of others. Individuals should not take more than what is needed to fulfill their own rights at the expense of others. The establishment of a just society requires the recognition and observance of mutual rights and duties, with each person contributing generously to the civic order.
9. Economic Justice and the Dignity of Work
Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum drew attention to the injustices and exploitation faced by workers, emphasizing the primacy of the human person over profit. Work is not merely a means of making a living but also a way to participate in God’s creation. Catholic Social Thought asserts that the economy should serve people rather than the other way around. All individuals have the right to fair wages and working conditions, and economic justice requires that these rights be upheld.
10. Peace
Peace is not simply the absence of war but the result of right relationships with God and with one another. Conflict and war arise from human disobedience, pride, and the desire for power. Peace is the fruit of love and the consequence of justice. The Church advocates for a just and peaceful society, where individuals strive to live in harmony with one another. Peace is a sign of love in action and is essential for the well-being of individuals and the progress of society.
These principles of Catholic Social Thought provide a framework for understanding and addressing social issues from a perspective rooted in the Gospel. By embracing these principles, individuals are called to live out their faith by promoting the dignity of the human person, working for the common good, and seeking justice and peace in all aspects of life. Through their actions, individuals can bring about positive social change and contribute to the building of a more just and compassionate society.