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Sharing Catholic Social
Teaching Challenges and
Directions
Reflections of the U.S. Catholic Bishops
The Bishops of the
United States list key themes that are “at the heart of our Catholic social
tradition.” These concepts are integral to justice education.
The 7 principles are
woven throughout our curriculum and celebrations.
- Life and Dignity of
the Human Person
Because we are made in the image and likeness of God, all human life is sacred.
The dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for
society. Every person is precious, people are more important than things, and
the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life
and dignity of the human person.
- Call to Family,
Community and Participation
The human person is not only sacred but also social. We are one body “the Body
of Christ.” The family is the central institution that must be supported and
strengthened. Human beings grow and achieve fulfillment in community. People
have a right and a duty to participate in society. Government and other
institutions must protect human life and dignity and promote the common good.
- Rights and
Responsibilities
Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things
required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and
responsibilities to one another, to our families and to the larger society. We
each have a fundamental right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and
employment.
- Option for the poor
and vulnerable
Catholic social teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how the most
vulnerable members of society are faring. Our tradition points to the story of
the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) and teaches us to put the needs of the poor and
vulnerable first.
- The Dignity of Work
and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people. Work is more than a way to make a living, it is
a continuing participation in God’s creation. To protect the dignity of work,
the basic rights of workers must be respected…the right to productive work, to
decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property, and to
economic initiative.
- Solidarity
Catholic social teaching proclaims that we are our brothers’ and sisters’
keepers. We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic,
economic, and ideological differences. The virtue of solidarity means loving
our neighbor in an interdependent world.
- Care for God’s
Creation
We are called to protect people and the planet,
living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation.
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