The Principles of Social Justice

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of Papal, Consular, and Episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, the key themes at the heart of our Catholic social tradition are highlighted.

Dignity:

Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society, and the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected; the rights to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

Catholic teaching proclaims that work is more than a way to make a living: it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. It is not what one does or what one has that establishes his or her claim on dignity; it is simply being human that establishes that dignity. No person or institution has the right to exclude anyone from participating in those institutions that are necessary for human fulfillment, especially in the areas of work, fair wages, property ownership, and the freedom of economic initiative.

Respect:

The economy must serve the people, not the other way around. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion, euthanasia, and the use of the death penalty; and threatened by cloning, and embryonic stem cell research. Nations must protect the right of life by finding effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means.

Catholic teaching proclaims that  every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. We believe that we are called to avoid war when possible, and that it is always wrong to directly attack innocent human life. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency.

Association:

The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society, in economics and politics, in law and policy, directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined.

Catholic teaching proclaims that people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

Subsidiarity:

We must all recognize the responsibilities and limits of government, and the essential roles of voluntary associations. It puts a proper limit on government by insisting that no higher level of organization should perform any function that can be handled more efficiently and effectively at a lower level of organization. These tasks should be performed by persons who, individually or in groups, are closer to the problem, and therefore "closer to the ground". Oppressive governments are always in violation of the Principle of Subsidiarity, and overactive governments frequently violate it.

Catholic teaching proclaims the sacredness of human life as part of any moral vision for a just and good society. We believe that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Thus, the human person is never a means to an end.

Protection:

A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between the rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.  Human life at every stage of development and decline is precious and therefore worthy of protection and respect.

Catholic teaching instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first, because the common good requires it. If the good of all is to prevail, preferential protection must move toward those affected adversely by the absence of power and the presence of privation.

Solidarity:

We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brother’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice”, and the Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in the world surrounded by violence and conflict.

Catholic teaching proclaims that "loving one's neighbor" has global dimensions in a shrinking and interdependent world. It functions as a moral category that leads to choices that will promote and protect the common good worldwide.

Stewardship:

We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan; it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

Catholic teaching recognizes our moral responsibility for the protection of the environment; croplands, grasslands, woodlands, air, water, minerals and other natural deposits. Stewardship responsibilities also look toward our use of our personal talents, our attention to personal health, and our use of personal property.