Church Documents Concerning matters of Social Justice Issues

1891 -Rerum Novarum On the Condition of Labor Written by Pope Leo XII(13 th) Written by Pope Leo XII(13 th) Encyclical, First of Social Doctrine Encyclical, First of Social Doctrine Condemned communism and unbridled capitalism Condemned communism and unbridled capitalism Declares the rights of the poor must be “specially cared for and protected by the government” especially industrial workers Declares the rights of the poor must be “specially cared for and protected by the government” especially industrial workers Qualifies the right to private property Qualifies the right to private property

1963 -Peace On Earth Written by Pope John XXIII (23 rd ) Written by Pope John XXIII (23 rd ) Encyclical Encyclical Proclaims list of Human Rights – see handout Proclaims list of Human Rights – see handout

1965-Church in the Modern World Second Vatican Council –major document Second Vatican Council –major document Declares that it is a “constitutive dimension of Church” to become actively involved in world affairs. Declares that it is a “constitutive dimension of Church” to become actively involved in world affairs. Church is to be leader with all believers who are responsible for building the Kingdom of God in the world. Church is to be leader with all believers who are responsible for building the Kingdom of God in the world. Notes the growing interdependence of the international human family and safeguarding every human beings basic rights Notes the growing interdependence of the international human family and safeguarding every human beings basic rights

1967 – On the Development of Peoples Pope Paul VI Pope Paul VI Encyclical Encyclical Coins the phrase “Peace through Development” Coins the phrase “Peace through Development” Notes increasing disparity between rich and poor nations…economic development of the poor is interlinked with moral development of those with means….were all responsible for each other. Notes increasing disparity between rich and poor nations…economic development of the poor is interlinked with moral development of those with means….were all responsible for each other.

1976—Brothers and Sisters to Us U. S. Pastoral Letter written by United States Bishops U. S. Pastoral Letter written by United States Bishops Declares Racism a sin Declares Racism a sin

1981- On the Family Encyclical- written by Pope John Paul II Encyclical- written by Pope John Paul II Declares “every man has the right to a family and determine the number and spacing of children” Declares “every man has the right to a family and determine the number and spacing of children”

1981- On Human Work Encyclical by Pope John Paul II Encyclical by Pope John Paul II Declares “work is key to man’s dignity”. Declares “work is key to man’s dignity”. “People over profit” “People over profit” Providing a decent job enables man to “take care of himself”. Providing a decent job enables man to “take care of himself”. Every one who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so. Every one who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so.

1983- The Challenge of Peace U.S. Pastoral Letter, written by U.S. Bishops U.S. Pastoral Letter, written by U.S. Bishops Provides modern perspective to issue of war Provides modern perspective to issue of war Declares use of nuclear weapon immoral. Declares use of nuclear weapon immoral.

1986 – Economic Justice for All U. S. Pastoral Letter U. S. Pastoral Letter Declares there should be no unemployment in U. S. Declares there should be no unemployment in U. S. Business practices share responsibility for common good and basic human rights. Business practices share responsibility for common good and basic human rights.

1995 – The Gospel of Life Encyclical, by Pope John Paul II Encyclical, by Pope John Paul II Proclaims church position regarding all Respect Life Issues Proclaims church position regarding all Respect Life Issues