SOCIAL JUSTICE Cont’d pp. 255-263

Social Encyclicals Over the past century, the popes have written letters on many issues of social justice. A common theme in these social encyclicals is the protection of the weak and the poor. 1891 Pope Leo XIII began a new practice of commenting on a social justice issue in an encyclical. The encyclical, “The Condition of Labour” asked states to pass laws to protect workers, and respect their rights to form unions, have a just wage and own private property. 1931 Pope Pius XI “The Reconstruction of the Social Order” – reaffirms the rights to unionize and fair wages, introduces the idea of subsidiarity and critiques extreme capitalism and communism 1961 Pope John XXIII “Christianity and Social Progress” – global interdependence, collective bargaining, criticizes the disparity between rich and poor nations, 1963 Pope John XXIII “Peace on Earth” – basic human rights and the responsiblities that flow from them, concept of the common good 1965 Vatican II “The Church in the Modern World” – issues of family, politics, society, economics, world peace

Social Teaching of the Canadian Catholic Bishops In 1948 the bishops of Canada established the Commission of Social Action to help spread the gospel through actions for justice and the transformation of society. The Commission has issued many teaching documents: 1967 Pope Paul VI “The Development of Peoples” – fair trade, development and peace, international cooperation, taxation of richer nations 1971 Pope Paul VI “Call To Action” – encourages political action and involvement, discusses discrimination and addresses modern urbanization 1971 Synod of Bishops “Justice in the World” - encourages the church to be an exemplar of justice, cites modern injustices especially against the poor and powerless 1981 Pope John Paul II “On Human Work” – criticizes Marxism and Capitalism, reaffirms support of worker’s rights and unions 1987 Pope John Paul II “On Social Concern – disparity between North and South; critiques Western materialism and Eastern moral bankruptcy, highlights preferential option for the poor 1991 Pope John Paul II “On the One Hundredth Year” – touches on a variety of social justices issues over the past 100 years 1995 Pope John Paul II “The Gospel of Life” – The Gospel of Life” – talks about the Catholic teaching of right to life There are more that have been written by Pope Benedict – all are available on the Vatican website

Words To Action (1976) The struggle for justice is not optional. The bishops suggested a method for reflecting on the gospel, hearing victims of injustice and helping the poor and the oppressed.

Ethical Choices and Political Challenges (1983) This document reinforced the struggle for justice. It also offered a five step approach for doing justice.

The Struggle Against Poverty (1996) The Bishops criticized governments for neglecting the care of the poorest members of society. They called for action to eradicate poverty with special awareness of the poverty among women, the young, new immigrants and Aboriginal people.

The Common Good or Exclusion (2001) In an open letter to members of the new Parliament, the bishops recalled “that the Church, in its concern for the welfare of each person, is especially preoccupied with defending the poor.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 1)Dignity of the Human Person – All humans are God’s special creation and deserve respect, regardless of race, age, ability, nationality, religion or economic status etc. 2) Respect for Human Life – Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death has inherent dignity and the right to life.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 3) Call to family, Community and Participation – Every person is not only sacred, but social. Family is the central social institution that must be supported, strengthened and not undermined (recall: Trinity) 4) Rights and Responsibilities – a healthy community can only be achieved if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 5) Common Good – The social condition that allows people to reach their full potential and dignity. 3 elements: Respect for the person; Social well being of the group; Maintaining peace and security. 6) Preferential Option for the Poor – We must put the needs for the poor and vulnerable before our wants

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 7) Solidarity – We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are all really responsible for all. 8) Stewardship – We are called to protect the people and the planet. We are caretakers of the gift of creation.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 9) Dignity of Work and the Rights of the Workers – the dignity of work is safeguarded when the rights of workers are protected. 10) Subsidiarity - matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized authority so long as they are capable.

How can we help the poor in the world? Give to the Church Give to ShareLife Give to clothing and food drives Give to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Write to our politicians for affordable housing and improved social services Volunteer at soup kitchens and shelters Volunteer with NGO’s working in the developing world.

Development and Peace Established in 1967 by the CCCB in response to Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter Populorum Progressio, which says that Development is the new word for Peace. Development and Peace seeks ways to help people of all faiths in the Third World break the cycle of poverty through community-based, sustainable development initiatives.

ShareLife In 1976, Archbishop Philip Pocock established ShareLife – the annual charitable fundraising appeal of the Archdiocese of Toronto – ensuring people have access to social services based on Catholic values and respect for the sanctity of life at all stages.

Fair Trade Many products that are manufactured and foods that are grown in the developing world exploit labourers. We in the developed world enjoy these things at cheaper prices because of this cheaper labour. Fairly traded products are sold at a fair price to ensure that workers and producers are fairly compensated for their work.

Fair Trade

Free The Children

Ryan’s Well

Mother Teresa Mother Teresa is someone who hungered and thirst for righteous in the world. She dedicated her life to helping the poorest outcasts in slums of Calcutta, India – the lepers, the poor, the hungry, the terminally ill, the social outcasts etc. She believed every one deserves to die with dignity because we are all children of God

Mother Teresa

What can you do? As members of Christ’s body on Earth, we have an obligation to do Christ’s work on Earth. As people, confirmed in the faith and sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you are called forward to carry out the social justice mission put forth by Christ.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation

Gifts of the Holy Spirit cont’d Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God