10 Principles of Social Justice

The following ten principles highlight major themes
from Catholic Social Teaching documents of the last century.

They are the basis of the St. John's Justice and Peace Commission.

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.

2. Common Good and Community

The human person is both sacred and social. Human dignity can only be realized and protected in the context of relationships with the wider society. 

3. Option for the Poor

The moral test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.    

4. Rights and Responsibilities

Human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met . 

5. Role of Government and Subsidiarity

The state has a positive moral function. It is an instrument to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good.

6. Economic Justice 

The economy must serve people, not the other way around. All workers have a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, and to safe working conditions.  

7. Stewardship of God's Creation

How we treat the environment is a measure of our stewardship, a sign of our respect for the Creator.  

8. Promotion of Peace and Disarmament

Catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept. In the words of Pope John Paul II, "Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence between peoples and nations. It involves collaboration and binding agreements.”

9. Participation 

All people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural life of society. It is a fundamental demand of justice and a requirement for human dignity that all people be assured a minimum level of participation in the community.

10. Global Solidarity and Development

We are one human family. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic and ideological differences. We are called to work globally for justice.