Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The dignity of the human person is reflective of Jesus' ministry. All life, from conception thru natural death, is
held sacred. Abortions, euthanasia, the death penalty, poverty, animal cruelty, discrimination, are all practices that
violate this teaching.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The family is the core of a Christian society. Just as Jesus formed the first Christian community and early church
recognized that Jesus came for all of humanity, “community” is the arena in which we live a Christian life. A society that
diminishes the importance of family and promotes “rugged individualism” conflicts with Jesus’ teaching that we are interdependent
with each other and dependent on God. Social or political practices that isolate large segments of the population violate this teaching.
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights to food, shelter, employment, health care, education, etc. are all recognized and supported by our Catholic tradition. A society
whose economics and politics systemically deny any segment of its populations these rights violates this teaching. However, with each right
comes the responsibility to use that right to advance the common good. Although Judeo-Christian tradition supports property rights, such
rights must be accompanied by the responsibility to steward the property for future generations.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jesus’ commandments, The Beatitudes, begin with “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit …” Not all of God’s children are
blessed with physical health, high intelligence, emotional stability, or other attributes that are necessary for
success in a competitive society. Many people start life with symptoms of poor prenatal care, dysfunctional
parents, unhealthy environments, etc. A Christian society supports its poor and vulnerable with a combination of
private and public programs.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Work is a fundamental component of a person’s life journey. Work is necessary for a society to progress towards
God’s kingdom on earth. Work that demeans a person’s dignity has been too common in our nation’s history. The exploitation
of the poor and immigrants on plantations, coal mines, sweat shops, railroad gangs, farm fields, etc. violates this teaching. A just
working environment is healthy, safe and provides a living wage. When these rights are not being met, Catholic tradition has a long
history of supporting the right of workers to organize without intimidation.
Solidarity
Jesus used the story of the Good Samaritan to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is not just the person
next door; it’s the person in Africa suffering from AIDS or the person in a coastal community dependent of a healthy fish population, or a
person living in a country with a corrupt government, or a family in a refugee camp. The Catholic Relief Service is an example of a
Christian response to the suffering of our neighbors throughout the world.
Care for God's Creation
We are partners with God in preserving the natural world that reflects God’s glory and providence. We bless the Creator when we
bless the Creator’s Creation. We grow in our spiritual understanding of God by reflecting on wonders of the natural world. When we
allow this gift to be diminished by pollution, erosion, non-renewal resource extraction, over consumption, etc, we have chosen to place
our personal welfare ahead of our less fortunate neighbors and future generations. Our Catholic tradition calls us to value, protect
and cherish our sacramental universe.