Economic Justice
“We have forgotten and are still forgetting that over and above business, logic and the parameters of the market is the human being; and that something is men and women in as much as they are human beings by virtue of their profound dignity: to offer them the possibility of living a dignified life and of actively participating in the common good…”
-Pope Francis, Address to the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, 5/25/13
Human dignity comes from God, not from nationality, race, sex, economic status, or any human accomplishment. We judge any economic system by what it does for and to people and by how it permits all to participate in it. The economy should serve people, not the other way around. Basic justice demands that people be assured a minimum level of participation in the economy. It is wrong for a person or group to be excluded unfairly or to be unable to participate or contribute to the economy.
By excluding people, we limit their capacity to grow and flourish in society. 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. As Catholics, we help the poor because they are the image of Christ in our world. When we strive for economic justice, we are protecting families who are looking to provide a better future for their children.
We must continue to promote greater economic justice in the face of persistent poverty and growing income-gaps, creating an economy that follows an ethical framework.
Additional resources:
- Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the US Economy
- Economic Justice and Domestic Poverty
- Pope Francis: Human dignity has serious political implications
- Our Culture of Contempt looks at the roots of the great divisions in society
- CST 101 | Rights and Responsibilities
- Economic Justice Handout: Salvaging a Throw Away Culture