Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture. It already has and continues to challenge and shape the world.

CST inspires how SCIAF works with our supporters in Scotland and those we serve overseas. We believe that by putting the seven principles of CST into action, we’re following the example set by Christ and acting in a way that God calls us.

What is Catholic Social Teaching?

Catholic Social Teaching is an area of Catholic doctrine that offers a moral framework shaped by faith, reason and experience. 

While its principles are deeply rooted in the Bible and Church tradition, Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical letter, Rerum Novarum, marked a significant new beginning and development in the Church's formal social doctrine, addressing the pressing social issues of its time.

Modern Catholic Social Teaching has developed in response to war, poverty, migration, environmental harm, and inequality. It helps us see the world through the lens of human dignity, justice and care for others.

That might mean speaking up for those who are overlooked, working for fairer systems, or standing in solidarity with people who suffer. It calls us to examine our role in shaping a more just and loving world and to be active in building a society where all can thrive.

The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Dignity 

Each of us is unique and beautiful. It does not depend on status, wealth, ability, or background. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. In our work, we empower those we serve, recognising gifts and talents and helping people to help themselves.

This principle is the foundation of all the others. If we do not respect life, we cannot build a just society. This is why we must speak out against anything that harms human dignity - poverty, racism, war, inequality, and more.

“The human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence in the world; all of the Church's work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person.”

The Challenge of Peace, US Bishops, 1983 #15

Solidarity

Solidarity means standing together. It means recognising that we belong to one family and what happens to one of us affects all of us. We have a duty to others, especially those who suffer. 

In relation to the Church, Paul, in Romans 12, talks about many people with different gifts coming together to serve one another. We can see this here in the Church in Scotland, but with SCIAF we can also come together with our gifts and make an impact globally and serve our sisters and brothers in solidarity.

“Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people both near and far…it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good…. because we are really responsible for all.”

Pope John Paul II

Common Good

The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. Pope Paul VI spoke about this 50 years ago in his encyclical Populorum Progressio.

The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world. At SCIAF, priority is given to development programmes that involve collaboration with all relevant members of the community to promote the common good. This includes making sure people have access to clean water, health care, education, and safe places to live.

Option for the Poor

The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. Their needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes.

SCIAF programmes aim to reach the poorest and most marginalised people. This often requires greater effort in order to reach remote regions.

“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.”

Proverbs 14:31

Peace

SCIAF stands with communities to build peace and promote justice, so they have power over their own lives. This means working to end conflict, but also tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality and environmental destruction.

“If you want peace, work for justice.”

Pope Paul VI

Stewardship of Creation

In 2015, Pope Francis brought together decades of Church teaching in the encyclical, Laudato Si’. In this deeply influential letter, Pope Francis invites everyone on the planet to consider how our actions are affecting the earth and the poorest people.

The earth is not ours to use as we like; we must care for it and use its resources wisely. Stewardship means taking responsibility, changing our habits and pushing for stronger action to protect the planet.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”

Pope Francis, Laudato Si

The Dignity of Work and Participation

The dignity of work has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning.

In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labour). He shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions.

The same principle applies today; work should be fair, safe and equal. It should allow people to support their families, to earn a fair wage, to be protected by basic rights and to join a trade union.

“The economy must serve people, not the other way around… If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers, owners, and others must be respected—the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages….”

A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility – US conference of Catholic Bishops