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Social Justice |
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The disciples of Jesus
are not just to reach out to their neighbor as individuals. They are to invite,
challenge and serve society. They are to speak and work for social justice. In
1971 a synod of Bishops (selected bishops from throughout the world) stated
that "Social Justice is a constitutive element of the Gospel". The two pillars
of Social Justice are Respect for the Person and the promotion of the
Common Good. |
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The Catholic Church has a well developed
approach to Social Justice. Below are 10 key principles which provide
the foundation for the Church's teachings.
- The Principle of Human Dignity:
Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed
by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect
as a member of the human family.
- The Principle of Respect
for Human Life:
Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death,
has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with
that dignity.
- The Principle of Association:
A person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize
society--in economics, politics, in law and policy--directly
affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow
in community. The centerpiece of society is the family. Its
stability is paramount.
- The Principle of Participation:
People have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking
together the common good and well-being of all, especially the
poor and vulnerable.
- The Principle of Preferential
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:
How a society treats the poor and vulnerable, e.g. widows, orphans
and aliens, is a key measure of justice. If those at the margins
of society are not attended to, the center will collapse.
- The Principle of Solidarity:
People have a right to associate with one another to promote
and develop the common good.
- The Principle of Stewardship:
The steward is a manager not an owner. We are stewards of creation
and ourselves.
- The Principle of Subsidiarity:
This principle puts limits on governing bodies by insisting
that what can be done at a lower level should be done at that
level and not at the higher level.
- The Principle of Human Equality:
Equality comes from one's essential dignity. It determines what
is just for a particular person.
- The Principle of the Common
Good:
The common good is understood to be that social condition which
allows people to reach their full human potential and realize
their human dignity.
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