The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. Our Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, and that people are more important than things, and that the measure of greatness of every institution lies in whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
…On call to family, community, and participation
The human person is not only sacred, he is also a social being. How we organise our society in economics and politics, in law and policy, directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened and not undermined in any way. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in organising the society, seeking together the common good and the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. This is the basis upon which Catholics are called to participate in politics in spite of its slippery terrain.
…Rights and responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and right to those things that are required for respectable life. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities, to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
