The Catholic Social Ethical Principles

The Catholic Social Ethical PrinciplesBy Emmet Long, Hunter Williams Burrows, Tyler McLucas, Chris Gallardo, Tom Evans

The Principle of Human DignityEvery person is worthy of respect no matter what their sex, race, etc. may be.The Westboro Baptist Church does not follow this principle, for they disrespect many because of their sexes, races, etc.

The Principle of Respect for Human LifeIt is always wrong directly to attack innocent human life.Abortion rights are a prime example of this principle.

The Principle of AssociationFamily stability must always be protected and never undermined.Scar undermines his family so he can become king of the Pride Lands in The Lion King.

The Principle of ParticipationThe human person has a right not to be shut out from participating in those institutions that are necessary for human fulfillment.Kids at a playground may shun another child and not let him or her play with them because they are different.

The Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor and VulnerablePut the poor and vulnerable before the rich and powerful.People should put more effort into helping others who cannot help themselves, such as those in homeless shelters.

The Principle of SolidarityLeads to choices that will promote and protect the common good.Governments across the world should all follow this rule, although some (in the Middle-East, for example) do not.

The Principle of StewardshipWe must take care of the environment, not change it to suit our needs.Industrialization is a prime example of this principle not being followed.

The Principle of SubsidiarityPuts a proper limit on government by insisting that no higher level of organization should perform any function that can be handled efficiently and effectively at a lower level of organization by human persons who are closer to the problems and closer to the ground.The expression Pass it up the chain goes directly against this principle.

The Principle of Human EquialityThis is essentially the first law of Universal Human Rights.Awarding someone more than someone else just because you are the same race as the first person is an example of going against this principle.

The Principle of the Common GoodIf one person is given a right, everyone should be given it.A teacher may say to you: If I give you the answer, I have to give it to everyone.