Catholic Social Teaching: A Consistent Ethic of Life
In his September 26th column in the Catholic Sun, Bishop Lucia calls our attention to reflect on the Church’s Social Teaching - which the Church has been building upon for generations. As we begin Respect Life Month, it is important that we know the Catholic Church’s consistent ethic of life. I encourage you to read the Bishop’s entire column which can be found on the Syracuse Diocese website: “To Hope and Act with Creation”. What follows is his summary of Church teaching on the consistent ethic of life.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Human life and dignity are the foundation upon which all other principles are built. Life is sacred, and the right to life is inalienable. Every person is precious, and this foundation explains why we are called to promote the culture of life.
Care for God’s Creation
We are called to be stewards of our common home: “We must recognize our grave duty to hand the earth on to future generations in such a condition that they can worthily inhabit it and continue to cultivate it.” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI)
Rights and Responsibility
Each individual possesses fundamental rights, especially the right to life, and should have the means for its proper development. Basics such as food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, etc. ensure all human dignity. We are responsible for working for these means for others, for ourselves, and for the universal right to them.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Being inherently social, we live and care for one another in community, starting in our family. We are obliged to help form and participate in our society in a way that affirms the dignity of all.
Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
Work must be understood as a gift to participate in God’s act of creation, and we have a right to share in that gift. Work exists for people and not people for work. In many cases, poverty results from a violation of the dignity of human work, either because opportunities for gainful employment are limited or humans are being exploited.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
In a society scarred by deepening division between the poor and the rich, our Catholic tradition calls us to prioritize extending care to the poor and marginalized as Jesus did. “Love for the poor is at the center of the Gospel.” (Pope Francis)
Let us pray throughout this month, dedicated to the Rosary, that all people will come to recognize, respect and protect human life from the most vulnerable in the womb to those nearing natural death. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us.
