Catholic Social Teaching

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Catholic Social Teaching is the great wealth of Church teaching on how to live out our faith in the world. Rooted in the Gospel, it is formed by the wisdom of Church leaders and shaped by the daily experience of Catholics everywhere, giving us a moral compass to find our way.

At Caritas Southwark our mission is based on six principles of social teaching which help us to contribute to the common good:

Human Dignity: This is the foundational principle of Catholic Social Teaching. It encourages us to think of every person, regardless of their situation, as being made in the image of God and deserving of respect, justice, and compassion. Because of this, we believe that people are more important than things and we seek to prioritise human needs.
The Preferential Option for the Poor: This reflects the Christian mandate to meet God in those who are in need and marginalised. We seek to amplify the voice of the poor and advocate for systemic change to provide a fairer society for all.
Community and Participation: We are called to get involved in our communities, working for the common good and making sure that everyone, especially those on the margins, have the opportunity to contribute and belong. In practical terms, this might include creating spaces where these marginalised voices can be heard, or fostering inclusive community programmes which build trust and cooperation across diverse groups.
The Dignity of Workers: This reflects the idea that every person’s work contributes to the common good and must be respected. This includes wages, safe working conditions and the right to organise. We engage with this principle by advocating for fair labour practices and challenging exploitation and inequality in the workplace.
The Care of Creation: Caring for our environment and its resources is our moral duty. The Earth is a gift from God and we have a responsibility to protect it for the benefit of all, especially future generations.
Solidarity and Peace: These values remind us that we are one human family — we are called to support one another, especially the vulnerable and oppressed.

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