Summary Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Life and Dignity of the Human Person All persons exist with God present within them. All persons exist with God present within them. All persons must be respected from conception to the grave with little to no exceptions. All persons must be respected from conception to the grave with little to no exceptions.

The Call to Family, Community, and Participation The family structure is the foundation of society. The family structure is the foundation of society. Each person and community has the right to participate within society to the highest degree based on age and maturity and law. Each person and community has the right to participate within society to the highest degree based on age and maturity and law.

Rights and Responsibilities Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Thrival and Survival Thrival and Survival Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable In our care for the common good of all, the most poor and vulnerable must be taken care of first. In our care for the common good of all, the most poor and vulnerable must be taken care of first. This does not mean allowing “freeloading” but it does allow for “empowerment.” (Helping people help themselves.) This does not mean allowing “freeloading” but it does allow for “empowerment.” (Helping people help themselves.)

Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers The economy must serve people, not the other way around. The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Basic rights of workers must be respected: The right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. Basic rights of workers must be respected: The right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

Solidarity We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We must strive for the common good of all. We must strive for the common good of all.

Care for God’s Creation We are called to be stewards of creation not conquerors of creation. We are called to be stewards of creation not conquerors of creation. We are called to protect and live “within nature” and not live above it. We are called to protect and live “within nature” and not live above it.