The Scriptures and the Teaching of the Church proclaim that all human life is inherently sacred, and the dignity of the human person has a wide range of consequences for every aspect of society. All social teaching is rooted in the Life & Dignity of the Human Person. This impacts the our societies use of abortion, death penalty. The harm imposed upon civilians internationally by war and terrorism. These principles invite us to peacefully endeavor toward the social transformation that reverences all human life.
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"The person is not only sacred but also social. 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. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable." from usccb.org
"The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society." from usccb.org
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"A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first." from usccb.org
"The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative." from usccb.org
"We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict." from usccb.org
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Our respect of the Earth shows our respect for our Creator, who, according to the Scriptures has given us the stewardship of the Earth. This invitation and responsibility calls into threats to environmental stability, modern wasteful practices, and the impact of our lifestyles upon a fragile planet.
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