Catholic Social Teaching

A key element of supporting the mission of the local church is  informed by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which guide us in all spheres of life – the economic, political, personal and spiritual.

With human dignity at its centre, a holistic approach to development founded on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching , is what Pope Paul VI called ‘authentic development’.

Catholic Social Teaching principles include:

Preferential option for the Poor

We live in an amazing world with enough resources for everyone. Yet, many miss out. Caring for those who are less well off is everyone’s responsibility. Preferential care should be shown to vulnerable and marginalised people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes.

Dignity of the Human Person

We are all made in God’s image, meaning  we each have a God-given dignity. We are made in God’s image. This means we each have a God-given dignity.

The dignity of every person, independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age or ability, is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching. No human being should have their dignity or freedom compromised. Poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice make it impossible to live a life commensurate with dignity.

Care for our Common Home

The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us.

Our changing environment prompts us to stop and think about how we live on our planet. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living as Pope Francis highlights in his encyclical, Laudato Si’: On the Care for our Common Home.

It is the world’s poorest communities who are affected by changes to our planet. Development programs are attentive to environmental concerns and seek to promote care for the earth and its resources.

The Common Good

What is ‘true community’? The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world. The rights of the individual to personal possessions and community resources must be balanced with the needs of the disadvantaged and dispossessed.

The Diocese focuses on  development programs which involve collaboration with all relevant sectors of the community to promote the common good.

Solidarity

We strive to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the good of all, to stand in solidarity with our one human family. We are obliged to promote the rights and development of all peoples across the world, reaching out to the most marginalised.