Catholic social teaching applies the church’s ethical and moral principles to social and economic issues, giving us guidance on questions about poverty, environmental sustainability, racism, the dignity of life and of work, and our responsibility to work for peace and the welfare of all.
Catholic social teaching is a body of formal writings of the church, often dated from Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum which addressed the gap between the rich and poor in the context of the Industrial Revolution in 19th century Europe and North America. Catholic social teaching has developed over the decades as the church has read the signs of the times in the light of faith. Pope John XXIII emphasised the urgency of disarmament. Paul VI wrote on international development and the importance of evangelisation walking hand in hand with justice and peace. John Paul II spoke often of the dignity of work, and he and Benedict XVI warned of the social and environmental damage done by unbridled consumerism. Pope Francis emphasised the importance of social inclusion, the rights of the most marginalised, and the increasing urgency of addressing ecological crisis.
The EJP Commission, and each of its Committees, begins each meeting with prayer and reflection on Catholic social teaching.
Principles of Catholic Social Teaching / Ngā Matapono Ākoranga Pāpori Katorika
Human Dignity – Made in God’s image: Each of us is made in God’s image, which means each person has an innate human dignity – te tapu o te tangata – no one can take away.
Solidarity – Walking together: Being in solidarity is recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working with them for their good. In our connected humanity we are invited to build relationships – whakawhanaunatanga – to understand what life is like for others who are different from us.
Preferential option for the poor and vulnerable – Protecting those in need: Having a preferential option for the poor – he whakaaro nui mō te hunga rawakore – compels us to think first of the needs of those who are most vulnerable.
Common good – The good of each and all: Commitment to the common good means working for the good of all – hei painga mō te katoa. This means respecting the rights and responsibilities of all people.
Subsidiarity – Empowering communities: Taking account of subsidiarity – mana whakahaere – means ensuring decision making happens at the most appropriate level, so all those affected can contribute.
Stewardship – Being responsible guardians: We are kaitiaki – guardians of the earth. Exercising stewardship is caring for the gifts God has given us, including the environment, our own personal talents and other resources.
Participation – Everyone with a part to play: Promoting participation – nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou – means recognising we each have something unique to contribute to society. We are called to be active members of our local and global communities.
Some useful resources to assist study on Catholic social teaching:
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://caritas.org.nz/catholic-social-teaching
New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
https://www.catholic.org.nz/social-action/principles/
Faith Central
https://www.faithcentral.org.nz/classroom/thematic-resources