Key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. People are more important than things. 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
How we organize our society directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family must be supported and strengthened. People have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Rights and Responsibilities
Every person has a fundamental right to life and 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.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition instructs 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, not the other way around. We must protect the dignity of work and respect the rights of workers --the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
Solidarity
We are one human family. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions. Solidarity involves the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.”
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet.