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In a global culture driven by excessive
individualism, our tradition proclaims that 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. The family is the
central social institution that must be supported and strengthened,
not undermined. While our society often exalts individualism, the
Catholic tradition teaches that human beings grow and achieve
fulfillment in community. 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. Our Church
teaches that the role of government and other institutions is to
protect human life and human dignity and promote the common good.
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“It is necessary that all participate, each
according to his position and role, in promoting the common good.
This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.
Participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of the areas
for which one assumes personal responsibility. . . As far as possible,
citizens should take an active part in public life.”
- Catechism of the Catholic
Church, nos. 1913-1915
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“One must pay tribute to those nations whose
systems permit the largest possible number of the citizens to take
part in public life in a climate of genuine freedom . . .”
-
Second Vatican
Council, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium
et Spes), no. 32
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“How we organize our society – in economics and
politics, in law and policy – directly affect human dignity and the
capacity of individuals to grow in community.” We are social beings.
We realize our dignity and human potential in our families and
communities. The family is the basic cell of society; it must be
supported. Government has the mission of protecting human life,
promoting the common good of all persons, and defending the right and
duty of all to participate in social life.
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Human dignity can be realized and protected only
in community.
- Genesis 17:7-8
(God covenants with a people)
- Exodus 6:6-8
(God’s covenants frees a people)
- Leviticus
19:9-15, 35-37; Deuteronomy 14:22-29, 15:1-18, 24:10-22 (some of
covenant’s social laws)
- Jeremiah
32:38-40 (God’s covenant with a people and their children)
- Mark 1:14-15
(the reign of God, a social image)
- Luke 22:14-20;
1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 8:7-12 (Christ’s new covenant)
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