Justice and Peace
Ō mātou mahi - Our Mahi
Justice and Peace Commission
Welcome to the Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Auckland
Together with Bishop Steve Lowe and the universal Catholic Church we are passionate about making a difference. Guided by the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching (CST) we believe action and participation can transform oppressive situations in local communities and worldwide.
JOIN US TODAY
LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER
Our Vision
Love God: Live out the greatest double commandment by loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind
Love Your Neighbour as Yourself: Extend God's grace and love to your neighbours, by advocating for justice and peace for all
Our Mission
Uphold essential CST principles:
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- Respect for the Human Person: Respect every person made in God's image
- Promotion of the Family: Support strong families as the foundation for a healthy community and society
- Individual’s Right to Own Property: For individual security and family stability, improve lives and contribute to the common good by caring and promoting the well-being of others
- Common Good: Work for the benefit of all
- Solidarity: Stand together in unity
- Subsidiarity: Empower local communities and individuals to have their voice heard in important decision-making processes
- Dignity of Work and Workers: A way to participate in God’s creation. Protect the dignity of workers by respecting their basic rights, including fair wages, the right to organise and join unions, and the opportunity for economic initiative
- Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Advocate for those in need
- Stewardship and Care for Creation: Protect and safeguard our environment
- Pursuit of Peace: Encourage peacemakers and promote peace, justice and compassion in a world marked by violence and conflict
Our Commitment
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- Advocacy: Through our committees, we tackle issues like housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and social welfare
- Small Wins: Celebrate every step toward a more just and peaceful world
- Love in Action: Engage with us—be a voice for justice and peace
Our Committees
Find out more about our committees below
Shelter is one of our most fundamental needs. The dignity of each person requires that they live in an environment which provides stability and a sense of belonging. Lack of secure, adequate housing undermines family and personal stability and causes physical and mental illness.
- NZ Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Housing, 1983 ( Excerpt taken from: Church in the World, Statements On Social Issues, 1979-1997 by Chris Orsman and Peter Zwart)
The Affordability of Housing Committee advocates for affordable housing, particularly within the Auckland diocese.
It has gathered information on
- social and low-cost housing options;
- rental costs and consequences of overcrowding
- the housing policies of the political parties
The Committee is a member of the CHA – Community Housing Aotearoa Network. It is currently working on a scheme to offer temporary low rental housing to those in need.
Convenor: Norman Elliott
With the tradition and teaching of the Church, we affirm 'that the right of the first occupants to land, and a social and political organisation which would allow them to preserve their cultural identity, while remaining open to others, must be guaranteed.
New Zealand Catholic Bishops, 1989, quoting the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, The Church and Racism, 1988
The Treaty of Waitangi Relationships Committee (formerly the Diocesan Bicultural Working Party) became part of the Justice and Peace Commission in 2015. Its aims are:
- To educate all members of the diocese in our commitment to honour the Treaty as a covenant and to a bicultural society and church; and
- To advocate for a bicultural nation.
Convenor: Vicar for Māori, Manuel Beazley
All of us, whether victims of crime, offenders, employees in the criminal justice system, family members or neighbours, are called to find paths to a justice system which reconciles; which rejects attitudes of revenge; which helps victims to heal and offenders to turn their lives around. It is the only true path to the security and safety that our society longs for.
- NZ Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Revenge or Reconciliation, 2009
The Crime & Reconciliation Committee aims to advocate for restorative justice for victims of crime and offenders. It also advocates for a prison system that focuses on prisoners’ habilitation, rehabilitation and integration into society.
The Committee has:
- Made a submission to the Department of Corrections on the proposal (now given government approval) for a men’s prison at Wiri, 2010
- Obtained letter of interest from the University of Auckland for carrying out long-term research on prison intake and rehabilitation success at the proposed Wiri prison
- Encouraged parishes through their Parish Social Justice Animators to take part in the Sisters of Mercy postcard campaign against the Wiri prison
At present the Committee is
- Researching habilitation/rehabilitation and reintegration programmes
- Plans a leaflet for parishes to increase understanding of the needs of released prisoners and how parishioners can help
Convenors: Br Colin Divane and Stephen Lincoln
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. Amen.
This is the first part of Pope Francis’ prayer from “Laudato Si’”
The goal of the Environment and Sustainability Committee is to encourage awareness and action on environmental issues in parishes. This includes encouraging a spirituality that includes respect for the integrity of creation and increasing the understanding of Catholic social teaching on environment and sustainability among Catholics in the Diocese of Auckland.
Resources
Video with brief “Laudato Si’” hymn beautifully sung by a Franciscan Friar.
Father Michael Perry also includes the launch of the Laudato Si’ encyclical back in 2015 by Our Holy Father and reflects as a Franciscan on Laudato Si’. Video of Pope Francis speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome 14th June 2015.
Prayers for the Environment :
Click here for Prayers for the Environment
Season of Creation: 1st September to 4th October (each Year) :
Click here for Season of Creation Resources
Our pamphlet “23 green Tips”:
Climate Change Presentation May 2021:
This committee is currently in recess.
If you are interested in environmental issues, and have a background in related areas, please Contact us with a few lines of information about your Church and community background and any experience in the issues of the Committee.
The Church teaches that human life begins at conception and lasts until we draw our final breath... Our responsibility extends to creating an environment within families and society where pregnant mothers are supported, children are made welcome and abortion is not seen as the only possibility in cases of forced and problematic pregnancies.
NZ Catholic Bishops’ Conference, A Consistent Ethic of Life -Te Kahu-O-Te-Ora, 1997
The Human Life Committee focuses on advocating for and educating toward the value of and respect for human life, particularly at its beginning and end. The Committee has:
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Sent three members to The Euthanasia Debate: Why Now? conference in Wellington initiated by the Nathaniel Centre (The New Zealand Catholic Bio-ethics Centre) and Hospice New Zealand
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Connected with other like-minded groups
- Promoted Respect for Life Sunday (2011, 2012) in parishes by providing posters, prayer of the faithful and other resources
- Planned and held (in conjunction with Euthanasia Debate NZ) the Euthanasia Debate Conference in June 2012 for about 100 people with international and national speakers
At present, the Committee is preparing background materials for parishes in the event that Euthanasia legislation is pulled from the ballot to go forward for a First Reading. It works closely with Euthanasia Debate NZ, see www.euthanasiadebate.org.nz
Convenor: Catherine Gillies
Read the 2023 update of Te kahu o te ora – A consistent ethic of life , Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity...
"Peace for all is the fruit of justice for all, and no one can shirk this essential task of promoting justice, according to one’s particular areas of competence and responsibility. To the young, who have such a strong attachment to ideals, I extend a particular invitation to be patient and persevering in seeking justice and peace, in cultivating the taste for what is just and true, even when it involves sacrifice and swimming against the tide."
Pope Benedict XVI, World Day of Peace Message, Educating Young People in Justice and Peace, 2012
The Peace and International Justice Committee was formed in May 2012. The Committee monitors justice and peace issues around the world, especially in developing countries. It also monitors transnational issues like trade, trafficking, refugees and asylum-seekers. It works in collaboration with Caritas and Pax Christi on issues of mutual interest.
If you have interest, experience or expertise in peace or international justice issues, and are passionate about the work of this committee and helping parishes to become aware of how to respond to these issues, please consider becoming a member of this Committee. Contact Us with a few lines about your background in church and community, and any experience in the issues of concern to this Committee.
At present, it is researching environmental refugees in the Pacific.
Convenor : Philip Cass
Written & Oral submissions on the UK free Trade Agreement:
Once again we exhort our people to take an active part in public life, and to contribute towards the attainment of the common good of the entire human family as well as to that of their own country. They should endeavour, therefore, in the light of the Faith and with the strength of love, to ensure that the various institutions--whether economic, social, cultural or political in purpose -- should be such as not to create obstacles, but rather to facilitate or render less arduous people's perfecting of themselves both in the natural order as well as in the supernatural.
Blessed John XXIII Pacem in Terris (#146)
The Committee focuses on advocacy in the following four areas from a justice point of view, in so far as the lack of effective regulation in these areas can lead to exploitation of people and destroy the efforts of vulnerable people to live dignified lives:
- the proliferation of commercial gambling outlets (‘pokie machines’),
- uncontrolled predatory lending (‘loan sharks’),
- the recent increase in the number of alcohol outlets with sales and marketing targeted at the young and
- the lack of regulation of prostitution particularly regarding the recruitment of young people into prostitution.
Convenor: Peter Garrick
16th February 2022 :
Oral SUBMISSION to Governance and Administration Select Committee on Data & Statistics Bill 2021
All individuals and social groups have a right to live in conditions which enable them to provide for personal and family needs and to share in the life and progress of the local community. When this right is not recognized, it easily happens that the people concerned feel that they are victims of a structure which does not welcome them, and they react strongly. This is especially the case with young people, who, being deprived of adequate education and employment opportunities, are most exposed to the risk of being marginalized and exploited. Everybody is aware of the world-wide problem of unemployment, especially among the young, with the consequent impoverishment of an ever greater number of individuals and whole families.
Pope St John Paul II, World Day for Peace, If You Want Peace, Reach Out to the Poor, 1993. n.3
The Social Welfare / Anti-Poverty Committee originated with the concern of the Justice and Peace Commission over the recommendations by the government-appointed Welfare Working Group. That report (the Rebstock Report) assumed that most beneficiaries prefer to avoid work, and suggested increased use of sanctions and penalties.
The Committee aligned itself with the Alternative Welfare Working Group (initiated by Caritas, the Anglican Social Justice Commission and the Beneficiary Advocacy Federation), which begins with concern for fundamental human dignity and rights of each human being to an adequate standard of living. Recommendations include full and adequately-paid employment and higher welfare benefits in order to reduce currently unacceptable levels of poverty in New Zealand.
The Committee's work on children in New Zealand was based on the vulnerability of all children and adequate provision of support for their families. Issues of targeting vs universal programmes, inequality, taxation and others.
The Committee continues to focus on issues of inequality and welfare reform.
Convenor: Dcn Sanele Poluleuligaga
Winter 2024 : Click here to read WHĀIA TE TIKA Winter 2024
Christmas 2023 Special Double Edition: Click here to view
Winter 2023 : Click here to view
March 2023 : Click here to view
Summer 2022/23 : Click here to view
Spring Newsletter 2022 : Click here to view
Winter Newsletter 2022 : Click here to view
April Newsletter 2022 : Click here to view
Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill
05 April 2024
Click here to read: Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill Written Submission
Fast-track Approvals Bill 2024
19 April 2024
Click to read: Fast-track Approvals Bill 2024 Written Submission
Parole Mandatory Completion of Rehabilitation Programmes Amendment Bill
16 April 2024
14 May 2024
Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982
29 May 2024
1 July 2024
Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Agricultural Obligations)
Amendment Bill
26 July 2024
Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill
10 October 2024
Click here to read: Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act Amendment Bill Submission
Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill
06 December 2024
Click here to read: Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill Submission
Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill
10 December 2024
Click here to read: Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill Submission
Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill
07 January 2025
Click here to read: Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill Submission
Regulatory Standards Bill
13 January 2025
Click here to read: Regulatory Standards Bill Submission
Budget Policy Statement 2025
03 February 2025
Click here to read: Budget Policy Statement 2025 Submission
Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill
12 February 2025
Click here to read: Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill Submission
Gene Technology Bill
17 February 2025
Click here to read: Gene Technology Bill Submission
Public Consultation on the Arms Act Rewrite
28 February 2025
Click here to read: Public Consultation on the Arms Act Rewrite JPCA Submission
Click here to read: Social Hazards Submission on Review of the Arms Act
Click below for Facebook | Latest Newsletter | Blog : Signs of the Times
Media Releases
Justice & Peace Commission Media Release: A Call for Justice and Equity on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill 2025
Read our MEDIA RELEASE A Call for Justice and Equity
In response to the Equal Pay Amendment Bill 2025
16 May 2025
Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill
27 February 2025
Watch our Oral Submission at Parliament Select Committee, Wellington.
Members of the Justice & Peace Commission, Catholic Diocese Auckland on the Toitu Te Tiriti hikoi over the Auckland Harbor Bridge 2024
Toitū Te Tiriti, Hikoi mō Te Tiriti, Kōtahitanga mō Te Tiriti
Read our hikoi journey here: https://xn--hikoi-m-te-tiriti-w9c.my.canva.site/
Click here to read: Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill Submission Justice and Peace Commission Auckland
World Disarmament Week 2024
Click read to read: Justice and Peace Commission Disarmament Week Statement 2024
Beautiful Beginnings & Sorrowful Endings: CDA Staff Prayer September 2024
Click here to read: Beautiful Beginnings & Sorrowful Endings: CDA Staff Prayer September 2024
Justice and Peace Commission Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia Pooatatau Te Wherowhero VII
Justice & Peace Commission 2024 Budget Media Statement June 2024
Justice & Peace Commission Statement for International Day of Indigenous Peoples August 2024
Click here to read: JPCA Statement International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples 2024
Justice & Peace Commission Media Statement on Funding Foodbanks July 2024
Read the Justice and Peace Commission’s response to the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, Māori Health Authority February 2024
Click here to read: 'A Needed Voice' Justice and Peace Commission Statement
Vale Fa'anānā Efeso Collins
The Commission remembers Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins : Click here to read Commission Statement in memoriam of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins 2024
Laudate Deum
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Auckland respond to the release of the ‘Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum of the Holy Father Francis to all people of good will on the climate crisis’.
Justice & Peace Commission Response: Justice & Peace Commission on the release of Laudate Deum
Laudate Deum Full Text: Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum of the Holy Father Francis to all people of goodwill on the climate crisis.
Letter from the Catholic Bishops to the Members of Parliament, 13 December 2023
New Zealand’s Catholic bishops have given a copy of their new ethics teaching document Te Kahu o te Ora: A Consistent Ethic of Life to all 123 members of the recently elected 54th Parliament.
Bishop of Auckland Stephen Lowe, the President of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, told the MPs in an accompanying letter that the document is a reminder that the political issues dividing the country are all connected. “So too is the solution—a lens that sees all life as sacred taonga.”
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Auckland endorses, upholds, and cites ‘Te Kahu o te Ora: A Consistent Ethic of Life,’ as an authentic, contemporary and valuable source of Catholic Social Justice Teaching for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Click to read : Letter from the Catholic Bishops to members of Parliament 2023
Te Kahu o te Ora: A Consistent Ethic of Life
Click to read full text : Te kahu o te Ora Consistent Ethic of Life
CST HUB
Understanding the origins of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) toward a vision of Justice and Peace in a Secular World
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1891 – Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of the Working Classes) Pope Leo XIII
- First foundational social encyclical. It addresses the rights and conditions of workers in the context of industrialization.
- Emphasizes the dignity of work, the right to a just wage, and the importance of the family.
- Calls for the protection of workers and advocates for unions, as well as the responsibility of both employers and the state.
Read: Rerum Novarum
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1931 – Quadragesimo Anno (After Forty Years) Pope Pius XI
- Commemorates the 40th anniversary of Rerum Novarum.
- Discusses the need for social reform and critiques both unrestrained capitalism and socialism.
- Introduces the principle of subsidiarity (the idea that matters should be handled by the smallest, most local competent authority).
Read: Quadragesimo Anno
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1961 – Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher) Pope John XXIII
- Expands upon themes from Rerum Novarum and Quadragesimo Anno, focusing on the social and economic development of nations.
- Stresses the need for solidarity, social justice, and the common good.
- Calls for a new approach to international relations and peace in the context of the Cold War.
Read: Mater et Magistra
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1963 – Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Pope John XXIII
- Addresses global peace, human rights, and the relationship between individuals and the state.
- Focuses on the dignity of the human person, the need for international cooperation, and the pursuit of peace.
- A call for disarmament and the respect of human rights.
Read: Pacem in Terris
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1965 – Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) Second Vatican Council
- While not an encyclical, it is a significant document from the Vatican II council.
- Focuses on the Church’s role in the modern world, emphasizing human dignity, the common good, and the social mission of the Church.
- Addresses issues such as marriage, family, economics, politics, and culture.
Read: GAUDIUM ET SPES
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1971 – Octogesima Adveniens (A Call to Action) Pope Paul VI
- Discusses the social issues of the time, particularly poverty, unemployment, and human development.
- Encourages the laity to be actively involved in social change and justice work.
Read: Octogesima Adveniens
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1979 – Laborem Exercens (On Human Work) Pope John Paul II
- Focuses on the dignity of labor and the rights of workers.
- Stresses that work is a means of human development and that workers must be treated with respect and fairness.
- Discusses the role of unions and the need for economic systems to be structured to serve people, not the other way around.
Read: Laborem Exercens
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1981 – Centesimus Annus (The Hundredth Year) Pope John Paul II
- Marks the 100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum.
- Reflects on the collapse of socialism and critiques of modern capitalism.
- Advocates for a market economy with a strong ethical framework, and the importance of human dignity and solidarity in the economic sphere.
Read: Centesimus Annus
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1991 – Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth) Pope John Paul II
- Although not directly a social teaching document, it addresses the moral principles underlying human actions, which impacts social ethics.
- Reaffirms Catholic teaching on moral issues, human freedom, and the role of truth in guiding social structures.
Read: Veritatis Splendor
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1995 – Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) Pope John Paul II
- Emphasizes the sanctity of human life, condemns abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment.
- Promotes the culture of life over the culture of death, advocating for respect for life at all stages.
Read: Evangelium Vitae
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2009 – Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth) Pope Benedict XVI
- Builds upon themes from Populorum Progressio (1967, Pope Paul VI) and focuses on the importance of love and truth in social and economic life.
- Emphasizes the role of charity in fostering development and the importance of truth in guiding social justice efforts.
- Discusses the global economy, sustainability, and the relationship between development and ethical values.
Read: Caritas in Veritate
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2013 – Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) Pope Francis
- While primarily focused on evangelization, this apostolic exhortation also addresses issues like inequality, social exclusion, and the economy.
- Critiques economic systems that prioritize profit over human dignity and advocates for social inclusion, the common good, and poverty alleviation.
Read: Evangelii Gaudium
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2015 – Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home) Pope Francis
- Focuses on the environment, climate change, and the relationship between human beings and the Earth.
- Stresses the need for a global ecological movement that prioritizes sustainability, justice, and care for creation.
- Calls for global solidarity to address environmental degradation and social inequality.
Read: Laudato Si'
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2020 – Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) Pope Francis
- Addresses social friendship, the importance of fraternity, and the global solidarity needed to combat injustice, inequality, and violence.
- Critiques populism, nationalism, and individualism, emphasizing the need for a culture of encounter and dialogue.
- Encourages the Church and the world to adopt a spirit of fraternity, peace, and reconciliation.
Read: Fratelli Tutti
From Rerum Novarum (1891) to Fratelli Tutti (2020), Catholic Social Teaching has consistently advocated for justice, human dignity, solidarity, the common good, and care for creation. These documents reflect the evolving needs of society and provide guidance on responding to the social, economic, and political challenges of each era.
Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples) - Pope Paul VI (1967)
- This encyclical focuses on human development, especially in the context of the Global South, and emphasizes the right to development as a key aspect of human dignity.
- It critiques unjust economic structures and advocates for a just international economic system that ensures equality, peace, and the well-being of all people.
Read: Populorum Progressio
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern) - Pope John Paul II (1987)
- This encyclical addresses the social situation in the late 20th century, focusing on issues such as inequality between developed and developing nations.
- It discusses the importance of solidarity, calls for a renewal of social and economic systems, and advocates for a "preferential option for the poor."
Read: Sollicitudo Rei Socialis
Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) - Pope John Paul II (1998)
- While this encyclical mainly focuses on the relationship between faith and reason, it also addresses the implications of faith for human understanding of social, ethical, and political life.
- It asserts that truth found in faith should be applied to issues of justice, governance, and societal welfare.
Read: Fides et Ratio
Gaudium et Spes (The Church in the Modern World) - Second Vatican Council (1965)
- As part of the Second Vatican Council, this pastoral constitution is critical for understanding the Church's approach to modern social issues.
- It emphasizes human dignity, the common good, justice, and the role of the Church in shaping society. It also offers significant guidance on ethics in politics, economics, and international relations.
Read: Gaudium et Spes
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (2004)
- Published by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, this document is a comprehensive summary and presentation of Catholic Social Teaching.
- It organizes the teachings into categories like the dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, the common good, the family, and the economy, providing an accessible guide to CST.
Read: COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) - Pope John Paul II (1995)
- Although focused on the sanctity of life, this encyclical touches on social justice issues, particularly in its defense of the right to life, human dignity, and the consequences of societal choices in areas like abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty.
- Its emphasis on the culture of life vs. the culture of death has significant implications for social ethics.
Read: Evangelium Vitae
Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy) - Pope Francis (2015)
- Although primarily focused on mercy, this apostolic letter issued for the Year of Mercy has profound implications for social justice. It calls for a culture of mercy that reaches out to the marginalized and calls for justice that is rooted in compassion.
Read: Misericordiae Vultus
Samaritanus Bonus (The Good Samaritan) - Pope Francis (2020)
- Focused on healthcare, the document emphasizes the dignity of persons in healthcare settings, especially those at the margins of society.
- It offers reflections on how the Church can contribute to the development of healthcare systems that serve the common good.
Read: Samaritanus Bonus
Address to the United Nations - Pope Francis (2015)
- This address is part of the broader social teachings on international relations and global solidarity.
- Pope Francis called for stronger multilateralism, respect for human rights, protection of the environment, and the alleviation of poverty and inequality.
Read: MEETING WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home) - Pope Francis (2015)
- In addition to its ecological focus, Laudato Si’ connects environmental concerns with social justice, advocating for the protection of creation and the rights of the poor who are most affected by environmental degradation.
- This encyclical explores how global systems of economic exploitation and disregard for the environment contribute to systemic poverty and injustice.
Read: Laudato Si'
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes) – Vatican II (1965)
- This document, while not an encyclical, is foundational for understanding the Church’s engagement with the world, particularly in terms of its stance on human dignity, societal structures, and social justice.
- It advocates for the promotion of human rights and social progress in ways that preserve human dignity.
Read: Gaudium et Spes
Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith) – Pope Francis (2013)
- While primarily focused on the theological understanding of faith, this encyclical speaks to the need for faith to be lived in society, affecting relationships, work, and justice.
- It argues that faith must guide both personal and social conduct, including issues of solidarity and the common good.
Read: Lumen Fidei
Ad Petri Cathedram (To the Chair of Peter) - Pope Leo XIII (1899)
- Another document from Pope Leo XIII, this emphasizes the role of the papacy in guiding Catholic principles related to social justice and reflects on the Church’s social role in the face of industrialization.
Read: Ad Petri Cathedram
While many of the most important papal documents related to Catholic Social Teaching are encyclicals, the broader body of Church teaching on social issues includes pastoral letters, addresses, apostolic exhortations, and even Vatican II documents. These documents consistently draw on the principles of human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, the common good, and care for creation to guide Catholics in engaging with the world’s social, political, and economic challenges.
There are several other dimensions and contemporary issues that have emerged in the 21st century, which can further enrich Catholic Social Teaching (CST). These areas reflect evolving social, environmental, and economic challenges, contributing to a deeper understanding of the common good, justice, and the dignity of the human person in today’s world. Here are a few key additions and insights:
Globalization and Economic Inequality
Globalization has brought immense connectivity but also significant disparities in wealth and opportunity. CST increasingly addresses the ethical implications of an interconnected world, focusing on the need for global solidarity and a fair distribution of resources.
Pope Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate (2009) touches on this, emphasizing that economic decisions should consider the dignity of the person and the common good, critiquing both unrestrained capitalism and the effects of economic globalization on developing countries.
Digital Technologies and the Common Good
The rise of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation has raised critical issues about labour, privacy, human dignity, and ethics in a technology-driven world.
The Vatican’s “Pastoral Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence” (released in 2020) addresses the ethical use of AI, stressing that technology should serve humanity, not undermine human dignity or exacerbate inequality.
As social media and digital platforms influence public life, CST is increasingly concerned with digital ethics, the integrity of communication, and the promotion of truth in the age of disinformation.
Migration and Refugees
Migration has become a pressing global issue in the 21st century. CST has consistently emphasized the need for solidarity with refugees, migrants, and displaced people, with Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti (2020) underscoring the ethical imperative of welcoming the stranger.
The UN Global Compact on Migration (2018) and other international agreements are often viewed through the lens of CST to call for policies that respect the dignity of migrants and protect them from exploitation, while also ensuring that the rights of host communities are considered.
Climate Change and Environmental Justice
Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023) represent a significant development in CST, emphasizing the moral imperative to care for creation and the urgent need to address climate change. CST advocates for an ecological conversion, aligning the fight against environmental degradation with the pursuit of social justice.
The Church's engagement with climate justice calls for action that prioritizes the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected by environmental destruction. CST promotes sustainable development that balances human needs with ecological stewardship, supporting a global movement toward environmental sustainability
Culture of Encounter and Interfaith Dialogue
Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of dialogue between cultures and religions as a way of promoting peace, understanding, and mutual respect. This is especially evident in his call for a “culture of encounter” in documents such as Fratelli Tutti and his interfaith engagements.
CST now emphasizes the need for cross-cultural and interreligious cooperation to address global challenges, including conflict, poverty, and human rights abuses.
Health and Healthcare as a Human Right
The COVID-19 pandemic brought global health issues to the forefront. CST now affirms that access to healthcare is a human right, integral to the dignity of the person. This includes addressing vaccine equity and ensuring healthcare systems are equitable and just, particularly for the most marginalized communities.
Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of global cooperation in health crises and the need for a “universal health care system” to promote the common good and solidarity across nations.
Family and Human Development
CST has been further enriched by a focus on family as the “domestic Church” and a cornerstone for human development. In response to changing family structures and societal pressures, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting families as a source of love, care, and stability in the face of modern challenges.
Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia (2016) explores the challenges facing families today, including issues of divorce, remarriage, and the pastoral care of individuals. The document encourages the Church to offer mercy and support for families in complex situations.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Gender equality is another growing area of focus in CST, as the Church continues to address the role of women in society and the Church. The dignity of women, their full participation in society, and the protection of women’s rights have been central in CST documents, particularly in the areas of work, family life, and education.
Pope Francis has strongly advocated for greater involvement of women in the Church, notably in leadership and decision-making positions, as well as in global efforts to combat violence and trafficking against women.
Global Peace and Just War Theory
CST continues to address issues of peacebuilding and the just use of force in global conflicts. While the Church supports peace and non-violence, it also engages with Just War Theory, especially in the context of new forms of warfare, including cyber warfare and the use of drones.
Pope Francis' consistent appeals for peace, especially regarding conflicts in places like Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, have emphasized diplomacy, dialogue, and conflict resolution over military action.
The "Preferential Option for the Poor" and Poverty
While always a core component of CST, the preferential option for the poor remains particularly urgent in the 21st century as the gap between rich and poor widens globally. CST calls for economic systems that prioritize people over profit, ensuring that all have access to the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
Pope Francis has emphasized the moral responsibility of wealthy nations and individuals to care for the poor and marginalized, stating that true economic development must aim to lift people out of poverty while respecting human dignity.
Ethical Consumption and Corporate Responsibility
In response to the rise of multinational corporations and global supply chains, CST addresses the ethical responsibilities of businesses in how they treat workers, the environment, and consumers. This includes calls for fair trade, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the ethical treatment of workers in supply chains.
CST encourages ethical consumption and responsible stewardship of resources, urging individuals and companies to make choices that promote justice and respect for all.
On Indigenous Peoples
Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of respecting Indigenous cultures and affirmed their rights in his 1993 Evangelii Nuntiandi and other speeches. He advocated for Indigenous people’s right to self-determination and emphasized the importance of cultural diversity within the Church.
Pope Francis has been particularly vocal on the issue of Indigenous rights. In his 2019 Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon), he highlighted the importance of respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and their unique role in environmental stewardship. He has also expressed concern about the destruction of Indigenous territories and the exploitation of their lands by corporations and governments.
The Address of Pope Francis during his meeting in 2022 with Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada strongly reflected Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor and marginalized. In his speech, Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow and apologized for the suffering inflicted on Indigenous communities by the actions of some members of the Church throughout history. His words emphasized the need for reconciliation and healing, which aligns with the Church’s commitment to social justice.
Catholic Māori - Our Indigenous People
Read the ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER PAUL VI TO THE MAORI VISITORS FROM NEW ZEALAND given in 1977.
The visit of Pope St John Paul II to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1986 was a time of great significance for Māori, as he was the first Pope to explicitly recognize their identity within the Church. Read the Homily of Pope St John Paul II given in Auckland (New Zealand), 22 November 1986
The Church has increasingly taken a stance advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples, especially in the areas of land rights, cultural preservation, and reconciliation. In countries like Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic Church has been involved in supporting the Māori people's rights and has contributed to discussions on justice and reconciliation between Māori, the state, and the Church.
Also during his 1986 tour of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, Pope St John Paul II spoke directly to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia in Alice Springs, acknowledging their culture and the need for reconciliation.
Catholic Pasifika - Our Nearest Neighbours
Catholic Social Teaching offers powerful principles that resonate with Pasifika values, emphasizing respect for human dignity, solidarity, and care for the environment. By applying these teachings, Pasifika communities can continue to advocate for justice, equality, and a deeper respect for both people and the planet.
Read the Homily of Pope Paul VI during his Pacific Ocean, Western Samoa tour, 30 November 1970
Read the Homily of Pope St John Paul II visit to Suva, Fiji in November 1986
Read the Address of Pope Francis to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders given in November 2017
Read about Pope Francis' Meeting With the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in September 2024
"Fiducia Supplicans" (Supplicating Trust) – December 2023
Issued by the Holy See's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, this declaration addresses the pastoral meaning of blessings within the Church. Notably, it permits priests to bless couples not married according to Church teaching, including same-sex couples. The document emphasizes the importance of pastoral care and inclusivity in the Church's approach to blessings.
Read: Fiducia Supplicans
"Dignitas Infinita" (Infinite Dignity) – April 2024
This declaration underscores the Church's commitment to human dignity, condemning violations such as human rights abuses, discrimination against women, abortion, and aspects of gender theory. It emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of every person and calls for societal and cultural respect for this fundamental principle.
Read: Dignitas Infinita
"Dilexit Nos" (He Loved Us) – October 2024
Pope Francis's fourth encyclical focuses on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. It critiques modern phenomena such as individualism, social and economic disparities, and certain technological advancements that threaten humanity. The document calls for a rediscovery of heartfelt unity, peace, and reconciliation in contemporary society.
Read: Dilexit Nos
Social Justice Statement 2024-2025 – July 2024
The Australian Catholic Bishops' Social Justice Statement titled "Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World" reflects on global violence and the pursuit of peace. Drawing inspiration from Pope St. John XXIII's "Pacem in Terris" and Pope Francis's "Fratelli Tutti," it emphasizes the architecture of peace, the culture of encounter, dialogue, and recognizing everyone as a brother or sister.
Read: Office For Justice, Ecology and Peace
Summit on Protecting Children's Rights – February 2025
Pope Francis convened a summit in Rome to advocate for the protection of children from war, forced labor, trafficking, and exploitation. The summit emphasized the global initiative to uphold children's rights, highlighting the need for enforcement of international conventions and prioritizing children's interests worldwide.
Read: Summit Diritti Bambini
These developments reflect the Church’s ongoing engagement with contemporary social issues, emphasizing the protection of human dignity, the promotion of peace, the sanctity of family life, and the safeguarding of children’s rights.
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You need DOCAT
The Catholic DOCAT app is a mobile application designed to help users understand and live out Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in their daily lives. The app is based on the book DOCAT, which is a companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and serves as a modern guide for young people to understand Catholic teachings on social issues.
The app provides explanations on various social topics like human dignity, the common good, justice, solidarity, and care for the environment, among others. It encourages users to think critically about their role in society and challenges them to make a positive difference based on Catholic values. The app also includes interactive features like quizzes, videos, and reflections to engage users in learning and applying these teachings.
The goal of the app is to help Catholics, especially young people, become more active in living out the values of the faith in practical ways and to promote a deeper understanding of how faith connects to social justice.
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Resources
This section contains resources for use by individuals and groups interested in Catholic Social Teaching and social and environmental issues faced by our communities, nation and world.
Files provided are the work of the Justice and Peace Commission, unless otherwise attributed, while external links provide access to other sources of information.
Social and Environmental Justice
- Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand information on Caritas development and humanitarian projects; resources, press releases
- Catholic Social Services Auckland
- New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services
- Pax Christi NZ
- The Catholic Worker NZ