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Here are ten building-blocks upon which the Church's entire social teaching rests. 1. The principle of the Dignity of the Human Person. "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." 2. 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." 3. The Principle of Association. "Our tradition proclaims that the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society ? in economics and politics, in law and policy ? directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community." 4. The Principle of Participation. "We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable." 5. The Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable. We believe that we touch Christ when we touch the needy. 6. The Principle of Solidarity. "Catholic social teaching proclaims that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live. We are one human family.... Learning to practice the virtue of solidarity means learning that `loving our neighbor' has global dimensions in an interdependent world." 7. The Principle of Stewardship. "The Catholic tradition insists that we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation." The steward is a manager, not an owner. In an era of rising consciousness about our physical environment, our tradition is calling us to a sense of moral responsibility for the protection of the environment ? croplands, grasslands, woodlands, air, water, minerals and other natural deposits. Stewardship responsibilities also look toward our use of our personal talents, our attention to personal health and our use of personal property. 8. The Principle of Subsidiarity. This Principle deals chiefly with "the responsibilities and limits of government, and the essential roles of voluntary associations." The principle of subsidiarity puts a proper limit on government by insisting that no higher level of organization should perform any function that can be handled efficiently and effectively at a lower level of organization by persons or groups that are closer to the problems and closer to the ground. Oppressive governments are always in violation of the principle of subsidiarity; overactive governments also sometimes violate this principle. 9. The Principle of Human Equality. "Equality of all persons comes from their essential dignity.... While differences in talents are a part of God's plan, social and cultural discrimination in fundamental rights... are not compatible with God's design." 10. The Principle of the Common Good. "The common good is understood as the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and to realize their human dignity." (source: Maloney, C.M., Robert P., The Ten Foundational Principles of the Social Teaching of the Church) Read this entire article | Vincent de Paul | | Return Home | About Us | What's New | Current Focus | Articles | Great Links | Email Form | |
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