1. 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, but is intimately involved with the dynamic of the reign of God. Therefore faith and justice are necessarily linked together. Living justly requires us to be involved in the structures by which we organise our society- that is, the political, economic, social, religious, legal, cultural, etc structures.
The Church in the modern world; One hundred years.
2. Dignity of the human person
Made in the image and likeness of God, women and men have a significant place in the social order. Human dignity can be recognised and protected only in community with others. The fundamental question to ask about any social development is: what is happening to the people involved?
Peace on Earth; On human work.
3. Political and economic rights
All human persons enjoy inalienable rights, which are political-legal (eg, voting, free speech, migration, religion) and socio-economic (eg, food, shelter, work, health, education). These are realised in community. Essential for the promotion of justice and solidarity, these rights are to be respected and protected by all the institutions of society.
Peace on Earth
4. Preferential option for the poor and vulnerable
A preferential love should be shown to poor and vulnerable people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes. ‘Poor’ is understood to refer to the economically disadvantaged who, as a consequence of their status, suffer oppression and powerlessness.
Call to action; The social concerns of the Church
5. Link of love and justice
Love of neighbour is an absolute demand for justice, because charity must manifest itself in actions and structures which respect human dignity, protect human rights, and facilitate human development. To promote justice is to transform structures which oppress people and block love.
Justice in the world
6. Promotion of the common good – inseparable from the good of persons
The common good is the sum total of all those conditions of social living - economic, political, cultural, legal, religious, customary - which make it possible for women and men to readily and fully achieve the perfection of their humanity. Individual rights are always expressed within the context of promotion of the common good. There is also an international common good.
Christianity and Social Progress
7. Subsidiarity as the rule of social organisation
Responsibilities and decisions should be attended to as close as possible at the level of individual initiative in local communities and institutions. Mediating structures of families, neighbourhoods, community groups, small businesses, and local government should be fostered and participated in. But larger government structures do have a role when greater social coordination and regulation are necessary for the common good.
The reconstruction of the social order
8. Political participation as a basic right
Democratic participation in decision-making is the best way to respect the dignity and liberty of people. The government is the instrument by which people co-operate together in order to achieve the common good. The international common good requires participation in international organisations.
La solennità; The missionary activity of the Church
9. Economic Justice
The economy is for the people and the resources of the earth are to be shared equitably by all. Human work is the key to contemporary social questions. Full employment must always be the aim of governments and industry. Labour takes precedence over both capital and technology in the production process. Just wages and the right of workers to organise are to be respected.
On human work
10. Stewardship & sustainability – the earth’s goods are for all
All property has a ‘social mortgage’. People are to respect and share the resources of the earth, since we are all part of the community of creation. The right to private property is a fundamental right but it is not absolute and untouchable. It is subordinate to the right to common use, to the fact that the goods of the earth are meant to be shared by all.
La solennità, On human work, The Gospel of Life, One hundred years
11. Solidarity of the human family
We belong to one human family. As such we have mutual obligations to promote the rights and development of all peoples across communities, nations, and the world, irrespective of national boundaries. In particular, the rich nations have responsibilities toward the poor nations, and the structures of the international order must reflect justice.
The development of peoples; The social concerns of the Church; One hundred years
12. Promotion of peace
Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among humans and nations. The arms race must cease and progressive disarmament take place if the future is to be secure. In order to promote peace and the conditions of peace, an effective international authority is necessary.
Peace on earth
13. Work
Work can and must serve an individual’s humanity and dignity. Work is a way that humans share in the activity of God. People have a right to work, a right to receive a just wage, and a right to form unions. By our work we are co-creators in the continuing development and transformation of the earth.
The condition of labour; On human work
14. Liberation & Freedom
Liberation from oppressive social, political, and economic situations and structures is an important part of the Church’s activity. Liberation must encompass the entire person, including the spiritual and religious dimensions.
The missionary activity of the Church
