Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in the truth of Scripture and shaped by the wisdom and tradition of the Church. It provides us with a moral and spiritual compass, offering practical guidance on how to live out our faith authentically in today’s world. At its heart lies the call to love God and to love our neighbour, not just in moments of ease, but in every situation and circumstance of life.

CST challenges us to recognise the dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God. It reminds us of our responsibility to work for the common good, to stand alongside the poor and vulnerable, and to protect the gift of creation. These principles are not abstract ideas, but living values that shape our choices, relationships, and the way we build community.

By following in the footsteps of Christ, we commit ourselves to fostering love, peace, and justice, ensuring that all people are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. In doing so, we live out our mission as a Catholic community: to be witnesses of God’s love in the world and to bring the light of Christ into every aspect of daily life.

What are the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching?

  1. Dignity of the Human Person
    • Every human being is created in the image of God and deserves respect and protection. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
  2. Common Good and Community
    • The common good refers to the social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential and realize their dignity. This principle emphasizes the importance of community and the need to work for the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
  3. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
    • Society is judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable members. This principle calls for a preferential option for the poor, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and their voices are heard.
  4. Rights and Responsibilities
    • Human dignity can be protected, and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected, and responsibilities are met. Every person has a fundamental right to life and those things required for human decency.
  5. Role of Government and Subsidiarity
    • The state has a positive moral function; it is an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. The principle of subsidiarity emphasizes that decisions should be made at the most local level possible, as long as they can be effectively addressed.
  6. Economic Justice
    • The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The right to organize and join unions is respected, and private property is understood within the context of the universal destination of goods.
  7. Stewardship of Creation
    • We are called to protect the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. Environmental stewardship is a fundamental moral and ethical issue.
  8. Promotion of Peace and Disarmament
    • Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings.
  9. Participation
    • All people have a right and duty to participate in the economic, political, and cultural life of society. It is essential for human dignity and the development of the human community.