Beginning in November we are adding a new bulletin column on Social Justice. Our bishops, in their 1998 statement Sharing Catholic Social Teachings: Challenges and Directions, wrote: “The sharing of our social tradition is a defining measure of Catholic education and formation…[S]adly, our social doctrine is not shared or taught in a consistent and comprehensive way.” That is true. We tend to shy away from controversial, but crucial, social issues. There are aspects of the Church’s social justice teaching that prophetically challenge today’s culture. These teachings call us to awareness and action, and that may take us out of our comfort zones.
What is Catholic social teaching? Its roots are found in the Scriptures, but its branches continue to grow today. The body of social doctrine grew throughout the centuries as the Church encountered new social situations. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is with the Church as we read the signs of the times in each new culture and age. (Gaudium et Spes, 4)
This past century has been a particularly fertile time for the growth of the Church’s social justice traditions. The rapid pace of social and technological change called the Church to respond, sometimes slowly, sometimes with courage and creativity. Popes, the Second Vatican Council, bishops’ conferences and individual bishops have all contributed to the body of teaching. Committed religious and lay people have helped to shape the social justice tradition through their witness in the world.
Our bishops have listed 7 key themes that form the heart of Catholic social teaching: 1) life and dignity of the human person; 2) call to family, community, and participation; 3) rights and responsibilities; 4) the option for the poor and vulnerable; 5) the dignity of work and the rights of workers; 6) solidarity; and 7) care for God’s creation.
These teachings require us look at issues, determining whether they threaten or enhance the life and dignity of the human person by applying the Gospel command “to love one another” to social systems, structures and institutions.
These teachings require us look at issues, determining whether they threaten or enhance the life and dignity of the human person by applying the Gospel command “to love one another” to social systems, structures and institutions.
For many of us, charity and justice are one in the same. While both are responses to issues, their focus is different. Charity focuses on the needs of individuals, families and all creation. It meets an immediate need and relies on the generosity of donors. Community Ministry and the collections in response to Typhoon Ketsana are examples of charity. It is something we can do as individuals. Justice, on the other hand, focuses on the rights of individuals, families and all creation. It analyzes social situations or social structures. It works for long-term social changes through just laws and fair social structures. It calls for us to raise our awareness and to respond in the public arena.
The new column will help to do that.