St. Joseph Church
Bristol, Connecticut

Deacon Robert M. Pallotti
Pastoral Minister

Ten Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Intimate Link of Religious and Social Dimensions of Life: The "social" -- the human construction of the world-- is not "secular" in the sense of being outside God's plan or concern but is intimately involved with the Reign of God. We live in a sacramental universe in which God's is immediately present through all dimensions of creation. This is especially so is human beings (cf. Church in the Modern World, 1965).

Dignity of the Human Person: All humans are created in the image and likeness of God. Men and women have a critical place in the social order, with inalienable rights, both political and legal and social-economic. The fundamental question to ask about social development is , What is happening to people ? (cf. Pacem in Terris, 1963)

Option for the Poor: A preferential love should be shown to poor people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God's eyes. The word Poor refers to the economically disadvantaged who as, a consequence of their status, suffer oppression and powerlessness. (cf. Economic Justice For All, 1986)

Link of Love and Justice: The love of neighbor is an absolute demand for justice because charity manifests itself in actions and structures that respect human dignity, protect human rights, and facilitate human development. We are called to social love that works to transform social structures. (cf. Justice in the World, 1971 and On Human Work, 1981)

Promotion of the Common Good: The common good is the sum total of all those condition of social living--economic, political, cultural--that make it possible for human beings to fully achieve the best possible life for themselves and others. Individual rights are always experienced within the context of the promotion of the common good. (cf. The Progress of Peoples, 1967, and Political Responsibility 1996, USCC)

Political Participation: All people have the right and duty to participate in decisions that affects their own lives and public policy. Such participation is directed toward the dignity and liberty of every person. The government is the instrument by which people cooperate together in order to achieve the common good. (cf. Centesimus Annus, 1991)

Economic Justice: The economy is for the people, and the resources of the earth are to be equitably shared by all. Human work is the key to the social questions. Labor must take precedence over both capital and technology in the production process. Just wages, safe working conditions and workers rights to organize are to be respected. There is a social mortgage on property. (cf. On Human Work, 1981, Centesimus Annus 1991, and Economic Justice For All, 1986)

Stewardship: All property and the earth is to used wisely and in light of the common good. By our work we are cocreators in the continuing development of the earth and one another. All people share in responsibility for former and future generations. (cf. On Human Work 1981 and Ecological Responsibility, 1990)

Global Solidarity: We belong to one human family and have mutual obligations to promote the development of all people across the world. In particular rich nations have responsibilities toward to poor nations, and the structures of the international must be just. (cf. Centesimus Annus, 1991)

Promotion of Peace: Peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice among human beings and the world. Emphasis is placed on ending and preventing wasteful arms races and promoting peaceful resolution of conflict. Strong support for international organizations that work for peace and justice, like the United Nations, is often a theme that appears in Catholic Social Teaching. (cf.Church in the Modern World, 1965 and The Challenge of Peace, 1983)

References:

Our Best Kept Secret: The Rich Heritage of Catholic Social Teaching. From the Center of Concern, Washington, D.C.

Compiled by Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D. Min.
Created 8/14/1998