Do You Know Catholic Social Teaching?

On Immigration

The Catholic Catechism instructs the faithful that good government has two duties, both of which must be carried out and neither of which can be ignored. The first duty is to welcome the foreigner out of charity and respect for the human person. Persons have the right to immigrate and thus government must accommodate this right to the greatest extent possible, especially financially blessed nations: "The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him." (CCC, 2241)

On a Material Lifestyle

Each of us should carefully consider our choices and lifestyles. We live in a culture that prizes the consumption of material goods. While the poor often have too little, many of us can be easily caught up in a frenzy of wanting more and more; a bigger home, a larger car, etc. Even though energy resources literally fuel our economy and provide a good quality of life, we need to ask about ways we can conserve energy, prevent pollution, and live more simply.

Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions
Summary Report, US Catholic Bishops

On the Marketplace?

In a marketplace where too often the quarterly bottom line takes precedence over the rights of workers, we believe that the economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living: it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected:

• the right to productive work,
• to decent and fair wages,
• to organize and join unions,
• to private property, and
• to economic initiatives.

Respecting these rights promotes an economy that protects human life, defends human rights, and advances the well-being of all.

Sharing Catholic Social Teaching:  Challenges and Directions
Summary Report, US Catholic Bishops

On Respect for Human Life?

In a world warped by materialism and declining respect for human life, the Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Our belief in the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.

In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and assisted suicide. The value of human life is being threatened by increasing use of the death penalty. The dignity of life is undermined when the creation of human life is reduced to the manufacture of a product, as in human cloning or proposals for genetic engineering to create "perfect" human beings. We believe that every person is precious; that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life or dignity of the human person.

On the Needs of the Poor and Vulnerable?

In a world characterized by growing prosperity for some and pervasive poverty for others, Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25: 31–46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.