Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Dignity of Human Person
The sacredness of all human life — regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, race — is valued. The emphasis is on people over things, being over having.
Dignity of Work Work is an expression of dignity. Economy exists to serve people, not vice versa.
Ecological Responsibility This flows from the dignity of all of creation. We are to respect and share earth's resources.
Economic Justice Economy is for people, not vice-versa. World's resources are shared equitably. Just wages and rights of workers to organize are respected.
Linkage of Religious and Social Religious and social dimensions of life are intimately connected; thus, faith and justice are linked.
Linkage of Love and Justice Charity manifests itself in actions and structures that enhance well-being of all peoples. Love demands justice.
Promotion of Common Good Individual freedoms are in balance with the good of society, domestically and globally. Structures are created that give people opportunity to participate and to fulfill basic needs.
Promotion of Peace Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent on right order among humans and nations. The arms race must cease. Progressive disarmament is necessary for secure future.
Rights and Responsibilities Basic rights are respected and promoted. Democratic participation in decision-making is a right and responsibility. It is necessary to seek the common good.
Social Nature of Human Person In relationship to and with others, humans realize the fulfillment of their dignity and rights. Sustainable, healthy communities are promoted by well-being of individuals.
Solidarity As one family, interconnection demands respect and value. There are mutual obligations to promote rights and developments of all peoples. International structures must reflect justice.
Special Claim of Poor and Vulnerable People Those with greatest need require greatest response; this builds a just society.
Subsidiarity In local communities and institutions, responsibilities and decisions are made at the level nearest to individual initiative and in relation to governmental structures that promote common good.
Dignity of Human Person
The sacredness of all human life — regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, race — is valued. The emphasis is on people over things, being over having.
Dignity of Work Work is an expression of dignity. Economy exists to serve people, not vice versa.
Ecological Responsibility This flows from the dignity of all of creation. We are to respect and share earth's resources.
Economic Justice Economy is for people, not vice-versa. World's resources are shared equitably. Just wages and rights of workers to organize are respected.
Linkage of Religious and Social Religious and social dimensions of life are intimately connected; thus, faith and justice are linked.
Linkage of Love and Justice Charity manifests itself in actions and structures that enhance well-being of all peoples. Love demands justice.
Promotion of Common Good Individual freedoms are in balance with the good of society, domestically and globally. Structures are created that give people opportunity to participate and to fulfill basic needs.
Promotion of Peace Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent on right order among humans and nations. The arms race must cease. Progressive disarmament is necessary for secure future.
Rights and Responsibilities Basic rights are respected and promoted. Democratic participation in decision-making is a right and responsibility. It is necessary to seek the common good.
Social Nature of Human Person In relationship to and with others, humans realize the fulfillment of their dignity and rights. Sustainable, healthy communities are promoted by well-being of individuals.
Solidarity As one family, interconnection demands respect and value. There are mutual obligations to promote rights and developments of all peoples. International structures must reflect justice.
Special Claim of Poor and Vulnerable People Those with greatest need require greatest response; this builds a just society.
Subsidiarity In local communities and institutions, responsibilities and decisions are made at the level nearest to individual initiative and in relation to governmental structures that promote common good.
