Our Catholic Church, the Church to which we all belong insists that all men and women must be respected and given their right to protection and a share in the development of the human society. The Church’s position is articulated in the body of teachings called “The Church Social Teaching”. The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom on how to build a just society and how to live lives of holiness in the midst of the challenges of the contemporary society, indeed, in spite of the challenges of contemporary society. The Catholic Social Teaching has been articulated over many years through a tradition of Papal Documents, documents arising from various jurisdictions. The depth and richness of the tradition can be understood best only through a direct reading of these documents. However, let me offer a brief reflection of some of the key themes that are at the heart of “The Catholic Social Teaching”.
Life and dignity of the human person
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, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of the 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 social being. How can we organise our society in economics and politics, in law and policy ? These subjects directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the 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.
To be continued next week.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
