What is Catholic Social Justice?
Catholic Social Justice is the understanding that all people are created equally in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every human being possesses an inalienable dignity and has the right to the necessities that allow he or she to live to his or her full potential as intended by God.
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This understanding is implemented in the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching:
Life and Dignity of the Human Person- This theme is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching. Each human being has an undeniable dignity and worth from the moment of conception until his or her natural death, no matter what social, political, economical class he or she belongs to. "All Christians are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:27-28
Call to Family, Community, and Participation- Family is at the center of all participation in society; it is the primary source of where individuals develop their moral compass and learn how to be an active member in society. God calls all people to the lifelong bond that is family and to integrate Christ into their roles as responsible citizens.
"Act justly, love kindness, walk humbly with God." Micah 6:6-8
Rights & Responsibilities- The God-given rights of human beings are inalienable and are owed to people by nature. No outside factors the State or the consensus of a group can strip a person of their rights. Every person has a right to their private property, a right to life, and the responsibility to carry out God's plan for salvation. Human beings are responsible for upholding the common good and loving their neighbors as God loves them.
"Open your mouth to speak on behalf of those in need." Proverbs 31:8-9
Preferential Option for the Poor & Vulnerable- Human beings have the moral obligation to first and foremost care and support the poor and vulnerable in their communities. God calls His people to show special compassion for those in need, both physically and spiritually, just as Christ did."When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help." ​Leviticus 25:35
The Dignity of Work- Work is a sustained effort with the intent to produce or accomplish a task to ultimately continue to participate in God's creation. Work is part of human nature and further benefits the human person in understanding how he or she shares in the mission of salvation with Christ, ultimately sanctifying it.
"God settles man in the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it." Genesis 2:15
Universal Solidarity- Solidarity is the unity of the human race to strive towards the common good with their God-given differences to reveal the need for one another. Solidarity is the basis of peace and an acknowledgment of mutual rights and duties to care and protect one another.
"If one member of Christ’s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice." 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Care for God's Creation- God's people have the role as stewards to care for creation and for each other. Caring for creation promotes solidarity amongst humanity to uphold the sustainability of the environment for future generations.
"Creation and all created things are inherently good because they are of the Lord." ​1 Corinthians 10:26