The Church in society: Catholic Social Teaching
Inspired by the life of Jesus, the Catholic Church has a long history of service to members of the broader community, especially to the disadvantaged, and regardless of what, if any, faith tradition people belong to. This service, while not exclusive to the following areas, includes education, welfare, health, the environment, disability, migrants, refugees and advocacy.
In the past, much of this service was initiated and undertaken by volunteers. Today, it also involves cooperation with government and non-government agencies as well as other people of goodwill. Catholics also support and operate many large charitable organisations, such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, Caritas and Catholic Mission.
In living out Jesus’ call to serve our neighbour, the Church has reflected on and studied the Scriptures and tradition. Combining this with reason and experience, it has developed what is known as Catholic Social Thought. This rich “thinking” has informed and led to the development of Catholic Social Teaching. This teaching is very important as it provides a solid framework for all Catholic agencies, smaller community groups and individuals to develop the best ethical and moral responses to the needs of our world.
So that you can gain a brief understanding of what Catholic Social Teaching is, here are the four principles that are universally drawn on to guide decision-making in promoting social, economic and ecological justice. They are also drawn on to make moral and ethical decisions.
Human dignity
Each person is created in the image and likeness of God. Each person has intrinsic worth and no person can simply be disposed of. Regardless of what a person does, or has had done to them, they cannot be deprived of their human dignity.
The common good
Each person and group in society should be able to meet their fundamental needs and realise their potential. This requires social conditions to be established to allow human flourishing, especially for the vulnerable and marginalised.
Subsidiarity
Each person and group in society has the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect them. This requires individuals or groups at higher levels to offer appropriate support or advice to allow this decision-making to effectively take place.
Solidarity
Solidarity is exercised when we recognise each person is our neighbour. We are to love, support and stand with them in good times and adversity. This sometimes requires us to accept and value others even when there are apparent differences.
"Let us pray for the grace to never grow tired of drawing from the well of the Father’s mercy and bringing it to the world."
- Pope Francis
This website is an offering to anyone who is searching for meaning in their life, or who would like to know more about God and what it means to be Catholic.
The Military Diocese encourages you to engage with your parish community, our chaplains, or a Catholic who has a good understanding of the faith, and who will provide pastoral support for any areas of concern.
What does the Catholic Church teach about:
- Abortion
- IVF and other assisted reproductive technology
- Contraception
- Same-sex attraction, relationships and unions
- Religious freedom
- Drugs and alcohol
- Euthanasia
- Gender and identity
- Violence against women
- Caring for the environment
- Refugees, migrants and asylum seekers
- People living with a disability
- The poor and homeless