Social Justice- Catholic Themes (part two)

 

 Rights and Responsibilities-

A healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Everyone has the right to take upon those things that are needed to gain human decency, including:

•  food
• shelter
•  clothing
•  employment
•  health care
•  education

 Regarding these rights are responsabilitities that should be shown to one another, family and the larger society.

Role of Government-

The State has a moral function, that is the duty to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. All people have the right and responsibility to participate in political issues in order to achieve these goals.

Economic Justice-

The economy have the duty to serve people and all workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. People have a right to economic initiative and private property although no one is allowed to amass excessive wealth when others lack the basic necessities of life.

Stewardship of God’s Creation-

God’s gifts and goods of the earth are intended to benefit everyone and he has given us the responsibility to care for these goods as stewards rather consumers and users. How we treat the environment reflects on the respect that we have for our creator.

Promotion of peace and Disarmament –

Cathoic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept and it is understood that “Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence...” Pope John Paul II. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon human beings.

Participation-

All people have the right to participate in the economic, political and cultural aspects of social life. All people should be assured a minimum level of participation in the community due to a demand.

Global Solidarity and Development-

We are one family. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic and ideological differences and we are called to work globally for justice and development must respect the rights of all human beings.