What are the principles of Catholic Social Teaching?
These are the Catholic Social Teachings developed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: 1. Dignity of the Human Person Belief in the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all Catholic social teaching. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the starting point for a moral vision for society. The person is the clearest reflection of God among us. 2. Common Good and Community The human person is both sacred and social. We realize our dignity and rights in relationship with others. Human beings grow and achieve fulfillment in community. Human dignity can only be realized and protected in the context of relationships with the wider society. How we organize our society — in economics and politics, in law and policy — directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. 3. Option for the Poor The moral test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor have the most urgent moral claim on the
