St. Joseph Church
Bristol, Connecticut
Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D. Min.
Pastoral Minister
Catholic Social Teaching and the
Universal Declaration of Human
Responsibilities 1997
Universal Declaration= Black
Catholic Social Teaching= Red
The Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities
comes at a propitious time in global history. This unique document, published by a group
of former heads of state known as the "InterAction Council", places emphasis on
human responsibility for oneself, the welfare of others, and the planet. This document
does not serve the purpose of denying the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, rather it means to point out that real human freedom is about responsible
human behavior. This document was the result of members of the InterAction Council
consultations with world religious leaders. The aim of this document is to complement the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially in its
fiftieth anniversary this year of 1998.
This document finds support in modern Catholic social
teaching by employing many of the moral principles found in Catholic social teaching.
Among these principles are: the dignity of the human person, basic human solidarity,
participation in shaping one's own life and public policy, the value of work and concern
for the common good. The document places emphasis on the human person as a moral agent
with freedom and responsibility in the use of that freedom. This document goes beyond
Western-style liberalism with its emphasis on "individualistic" rights and
summons all human beings for responsibility for oneself and one's actions in relation to
others and the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities,
does have some weaknesses in it. For one thing it seems to assume that all the nations of
the world subscribe to Western ethical categories. Also, it lacks any clear demand for
national responsibility in the relations between nations. Lastly, this document is
deficient in understanding the systemic causes and influences on human behavior and social
injustice--systemic evil.
The strength of the document is its emphasis on human
beings as moral agents. In itself that is an extraordinary development for international
relations which usually forswears any discussion of morality and international relations.
In an age that is searching for a "global ethic"
to help govern the actions of persons and corporate entities, this document represents a
breakthrough in the thinking that will be necessary to meet the emerging world
constellation of problems and possibilities. In the light of the growing problem of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear, chemical and biological, and the
spread of missile technology, such a vision will be essential
for restructuring the present anarchic international
system. The document denounces the largely nihilistic character of international life when
it states the "seven social sins" that Mahatama Ghandi called attention to in
his life. They are:
(1) politics without principles,
(2) commerce without morality,
(3) wealth without work,
(4) education without character,
(5) science without humanity,
(6) pleasure without conscience, and
(7) worship without sacrifice.
This denunciation of the "seven social sins" is
combined with a call to nonviolent conflict resolution to disputes among individuals and
states based on justice.
Catholic Social Teaching and the Universal Declaration of
Human Responsibilities
1 September 1997
It is time to talk about human responsibilities.
Globalization of the world economy is matched by global
problems, and global problems demand global solutions on the basis of ideas, values and
norms respected by all cultures and societies. Recognition of the equal and inalienable
rights of all people requires a foundation of freedom, justice and peace--but this also
demands that rights and responsibilities be given equal importance to establish an ethical
base so that all men and women can live peacefully together and fulfill their potential. A
better social order both nationally and internationally cannot be achieved by laws,
prescriptions and conventions alone, but needs a global ethic. Human aspirations for
progress can only be realized by agreed values and standards applying to all people and
institutions at all times.
The Christian who neglects his
temporal duties, neglects his duties towards his neighbor and even God, and jeopardizes
his eternal salvation. Christians should rather rejoice that, following the example of
Christ who worked as artisan, they are free to exercise all their earthly activities by
gathering their humane, domestic, professional, social and technical enterprises into one
vital synthesis with religious values, under whose supreme direction all things are
harmonized unto God's glory.
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern
Church, # 43
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. The anniversary would be an
opportune time to adopt a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities, which would
complement the Human Rights Declaration and strengthen it and help lead to a better world.
The following draft of human responsibilities seeks to
bring freedom and responsibility into balance and to promote a move from the freedom of
indifference to the freedom of involvement. If one person or government seeks to maximize
freedom but does it at the
expense of others, a larger number of people will suffer.
If human beings maximize their freedom by plundering the natural resources of the earth,
then future generations will suffer.
In all this, one notes first
the poverty or narrowness of man's outlook, motivated as he is by the desire to possess
things rather than to relate them to the truth and lacking that disinterested, unselfish
and aesthetic attitude that is born of wonder in the presence of being and of the beauty
which enables one to see in visible things the message of the invisible God who created
them. In this regard, humanity today must be conscious of its duties and obligations
toward future generations.
Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus #37
The initiative to draft a Universal Declaration of Human
Responsibilities is not only a way of balancing freedom with responsibility, but also a
means of reconciling ideologies, beliefs and political views that were deemed antagonistic
in the past.The proposed declaration points out that the exclusive insistence on rights
can lead to endless dispute
and conflict that religious groups in pressing for their
own freedom have a duty to respect the freedom of others. The basic premise should be to
aim at the greatest amount of freedom possible, but also to develop the fullest sense of
responsibility that will allow that freedom itself to grow.
The InterAction Council has been working to draft a set of
human ethical standards since 1987. But its work builds on the wisdom of religious leaders
and sages down the ages who have warned that freedom without acceptance of responsibility
can destroy the freedom itself, whereas when rights and responsibilities are balanced,
then freedom is enhanced and a better world can be created.
The InterAction Council commends the following draft
Declaration for your examination and support.
Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities
(Proposed by the InterAction Council)
WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and of the
equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice and peace in the world and implies obligations or responsibilities,
Moreover, man has a natural
right to be respected. He has the right to his good name. He has the right to freedom in
investigating the truth, and--within the limits of the moral order and the common good--to
freedom of speech and publication, and to freedom to pursue whatever profession he may
choose. He has the right, also, to be accurately informed about public events.
Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, #12
WHEREAS the exclusive insistence on rights can result in
conflict, division, and endless dispute, and the neglect of human responsibilities can
lead to lawlessness and chaos,
WHEREAS global problems demand global solutions which can
only be achieved through ideas, values, and norms respected by all cultures and societies,
...it follows that in human society
one man's natural right gives rise to a corresponding duty in other men; the duty, that
is, of recognizing and respecting that right. Every basic human right draws its
authoritative force from the natural law, which confers it and attaches to it its
respective duty. Hence, to claim one's rights and ignore one's duties, or only half
fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other.
Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, #30
WHEREAS all people, to the best of their knowledge and
ability, have a responsibility
to foster a better social order, both at home and globally,
a goal which cannot be achieved by laws, prescriptions and conventions alone,
The Christian who neglects his temporal duties, neglects
his duties toward his neighbor and even God, and jeopardizes his eternal salvation.
Christians should rather rejoice that, following the example of Christ who worked as an
artisan, they are free to exercise all their earthly activities by gathering their humane,
domestic, professional, social and technical enterprises into one vital synthesis with
religious values, under whose supreme direction all things are harmonized unto God's
glory.
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the
Modern World, #43
WHEREAS human aspirations for progress and improvement can
only be realized by agreed values and standards applying to all people and institutions at
all times, Now, therefore,
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims this Universal Declaration
of Human Responsibilities as a common standard for all peoples and all nations, to the end
that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in
mind, shall contribute to the advancement of communities and to the enlightenment of all
their members. We, the peoples of the world thus renew and reinforce commitments already
proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: namely, the full acceptance of
the dignity of all people; their inalienable freedom and equality, and their solidarity
with one another. Awareness and acceptance of these responsibilities should be taught and
promoted throughout the world.
A man is alienated if he
refuses to transcend himself and to live the experience of self-giving and of the
formation of an authentic human community oriented toward his final destiny, which is God.
A society is alienated if its forms of social organization, production and consumption
make it more difficult to offer this gift of self and to establish this solidarity between
people.
Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus,#41.2
Article 1
Every person, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, social
status, political opinion, language, age, nationality, or religion, has a responsibility
to treat all people in a humane way.
Article 2
No person should lend support to any form of inhumane
behavior, but all people have a responsibility to strive for the dignity and self-esteem
of all others.
Justice is also being violated
by forms of oppression, both old and new, springing from restriction of the rights of
individuals. This is occurring both in the form of repression by the political power and
of violence on the
part of private reaction, and can reach the extreme of affecting the basic conditions of
personal integrity. There are well-known cases of torture, especially of political
prisoners, who besides are frequently denied due process or who are subjected to arbitrary
procedures in their trail.
Justice in the World, #24
Article 3
No person, no group or organization, no state, no army or
police stands above good and evil; all are subject to ethical standards. Everyone has a
responsibility to promote good and to avoid evil in all things.
Article 4
All persons, endowed with reason and conscience, must
accept a responsibility to each and all, to families and communities, to races, nations,
and religions in a spirit of solidarity: What you do not wish to be done to yourself, do
not do to others.
For the sacred scripture
teaches that man was created "to the image of God", is capable of knowing and
loving his creator, and was appointed by him as master of all earthly creatures ....
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the
Modern World,#12
NON-VIOLENCE AND RESPECT FOR LIFE
Article 5
Every person has a responsibility to respect life. No one
has the right to injure, to torture or to kill another human person. This does not exclude
the right of justified self-defense of individuals or communities,
Article 6
Disputes between states, groups or individuals should be
resolved without violence. No government should tolerate or participate in acts of
genocide or terrorism, nor should it abuse women, children, or any other civilians as
instruments of war. Every citizen and public official has a responsibility to act in a
peaceful, non-violent way.
All these considerations compel us to undertake an
evaluation of war with an entirely new attitude. The men of our time will have to give a
somber reckoning of their deeds of war for the course of the future will depend greatly on
the decisions they make today.
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the
Modern World,#80.1
Article 7
Every person in infinitely precious and must be protected
unconditionally. The animals and the natural environment also demand protection. All
people have a responsibility to protect the air, water and soil of the earth for the sake
of present inhabitants and future generations.
The new technological
possibilities are based upon the unity of science, on the global and simultaneous
character of communications and on the birth of an absolutely interdependent economic
world. Moreover, men are beginning to grasp a new and more radical dimension of unity; for
they perceive that their resources, as well as the precious treasures of air and
water--and the small delicate biosphere of the whole complex of all life on the earth, are
not infinite, but on the contrary must be saved and preserved as a unique patrimony
belonging to all mankind.
Justice in the World,#8
Article 8
Every person has a responsibility to behave with integrity,
honesty and fairness. No person or group should rob or arbitrarily deprive any other
person of group of their property.
Article 9
All people, given the necessary tools, have a
responsibility to make serious efforts to overcome poverty, malnutrition, ignorance, and
inequality. They should promote sustainable development all over the world in order to
assure dignity, freedom, security and justice for all people.
Action on behalf of justice and
participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive
dimension of the preaching of the gospel, or, in other words, of the Church's mission for
the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation.
Justice in the World,#6
Article 10
All people have a responsibility to develop their talents
through diligent endeavor; they should have equal access to education and to meaningful
work. Everyone should lend support to the needy, the disadvantaged, the disabled and to
the victims of discrimination.
Article 11
All property and wealth must be used responsibly in
accordance with justice and for the advancement of the human race. Economic and political
power must not be handled as an instrument of domination, but in the service of economic
justice and of the social order.
It is necessary to state once more the characteristic
principle of Christian social doctrine: The goods of this world are originally meant for
all.
The right to private property is
valid and necessary, but it does not nullify the value of this principle. Private
property, in fact, is under a "social mortgage," which means that it has an
intrinsically social function based upon and justified precisely by the principle of the
universal destination of goods.
Pope John Paul II, On Social Concern,#42.5-6
TRUTHFULNESS AND TOLERANCE
Article 12
Every person has a responsibility to speak and act
truthfully. No one, however high or mighty, should speak lies. The right to privacy and to
personal and professional confidentiality is to be respected. No one is obliged to tell
all the truth to everyone all the time.
Article 13
No politicians, public servants, business leaders,
scientists, writers or artists are exempt from general ethical standards, nor are
physicians, lawyers and other professionals who have special duties to clients.
Professional and other codes of ethics should reflect the priority of general standards
such as those of truthfulness and fairness.
Article 14
The freedom of the media to inform the public and to
criticize institutions of society and governmental actions, which is essential for a just
society, must be used with responsibility and discretion. Freedom of the media carries a
special responsibility for accurate and truthful reporting. Sensational reporting that
degrades the human person or dignity must at all times be avoided
Consequently they are called
upon to perform their own positive function for the common good by encouraging every
constructive expression, by supporting individual citizens and groups in defending the
fundamental values of the person and of human society, and also by taking suitable steps
to prevent the spread of what would harm the common heritage of values on which orderly
civil progress is based.
Pope Paul VI, Call to Action,#20.2
Article 15
While religious freedom must be guaranteed, the
representatives of religions have a special responsibility to avoid expressions of
prejudice and acts of discrimination toward those of different beliefs. They should not
incite or legitimize hatred, fanaticism and religious wars, but should foster tolerance
and mutual respect between all people.
Today, on the contrary the conviction is widespread that
all men are equal in natural dignity; and so on the doctrinal and theoretical level, at
least, no form of approval is being given racial discrimination....The possession of
rights involves the duty of implementing those rights, for they are the expression of a
man's personal dignity. And the possession of rights also involves their recognition and
respect for other people.
Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, #44
MUTUAL RESPECT AND PARTNERSHIP
Article 16
All men and all women have a responsibility to show respect
to one another and understanding in their partnership. No one should subject another
person to sexual exploitation or dependence. Rather, sexual partners should accept the
responsibility of caring for each other [sic] well-being.
Article 17
In all its cultural and religious varieties, marriage
requires love, loyalty and forgiveness and should aim at guaranteeing security and mutual
support.
Article 18
Sensible family planning is the responsibility of every
couple. the relationship between parents and children should reflect mutual love, respect,
appreciation and concern. No parents or other adults should exploit, abuse or maltreat
children.
Authentic married love is caught up
into divine saving activity of the Church, so that this love may lead the spouses to God
with powerful effect and may aid and strengthen them in the sublime office of being a
father or mother. For this reason Christian spouses have a special sacrament by which they
are fortified and receive a kind of consecration in the duties and dignity of their state.
Parents should regard as their proper mission the task of
transmitting human life and educating those to whom it has been transmitted.
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the
Modern World, #48,50
CONCLUSION
Article 19
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying
for any state, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act
aimed at the destruction of any of the responsibilities, rights and freedom set forth in
the Declaration and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
Compiled by Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, D. Min.
Created 5/30/1998
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