Social Teaching

That earthly peace which arises from love of neighbour symbolises and results from the peace of Christ which radiates from God the father.

In the Old Testament God reveals himself to us as the liberator of the oppressed and the defender of the poor, demanding from us faith in him and justice towards one's neighbour. It is only in the observance of the duties of justice that God is truly recognised as the liberator of the oppressed.

It is not just a question of fighting wretched conditions, though this is an urgent and necessary task. It involves building a human community where everyone can live truly human lives, free from discrimination on account of race, religion or nationality, free from servitude to others . . . It involves building a human community where liberty is not an idle word . . .

There may be, and sometimes is, a clash of interests among states, each striving for its own development. When differences of this sort arise, they must be settled in a truly human way, not by armed force nor by deceit or trickery.

. . . While the Church is proclaiming the kingdom of God and building it up, she is establishing herself in the midst of the world as the sign and instrument of this kingdom which is and which is to come.

Many Christians are drawn to give authentic witness on behalf of justice by various modes of action for justice, action inspired by love in accordance with the grace which they have received from God.

The teaching and spreading of her social doctrine are part of the Church's evangelising mission. And since it is a doctrine aimed at guiding people's behaviour, it consequently gives rise to a ‘commitment to justice,‘ . . .