Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

Some Key Church Documents

1891 Rerum Novarum Leo XIII
1931 Quadragesimo Anno Pius XI
1961 Mother and Teacher John XXIII
1963 Peace on Earth John XXIII
1965 Church in the Modern World Vatican II
1967 The Development of Peoples Paul VI
1971 A Call to Action Paul VI
1971 Justice in the World Synod of Bishops
1979 Redeemer of Humanity John Paul II
1981 On Human Work John Paul II
1988 On Social Concern John Paul II
1991 The One Hundredth Year John Paul II
1995 The Gospel of Life John Paul II

Major themes and values in Catholic Social Teaching

Human Dignity
Life is sacred, and the dignity of every human person is to be respected. We are made in the image of God.

Community and the Common Good
The human person is not only sacred but social. We are saved as a people. All people are equal and have the right and duty to participate fully in the life of their community. All have responsibility for the common good.

Rights and Duties
All people have human rights and also must be challenged to live up to human responsibilities.

Option for the Poor
We are called to show a special preference, as God shows preference, for those who are poor, weak, or marginalised. Jesus spoke more about wealth and poverty than any other subject.

Economic Justice and the Rights of Workers
We work to continue to bring about God’s Reign on earth. Work is dignified when workers’ rights are protected and the economy serves the needs of all people.

Solidarity
We belong to a global family and are challenged to love our neighbour as ourselves and to be in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the globe.

Care for Creation
We share one planet, we are stewards of God’s earth and all of creation.

Promotion of Peace
Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence between individuals, peoples and nations. It involves collaboration and binding agreements.

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