Role of Government and Subsidiarity: The state must promote human dignity, protect human rights and build the common good. People have the right and responsibility to participle in political institutions so that government can achieve its proper goals. One of the important functions of government is to assist citizens in fulfilling their responsibility to others in society. According to the principle of subsidiarity, decisions should be made at the lowest level possible: a decision which can be made at a local level should not be made at a national level. In order that the right to development may be fulfilled by action: (a) people should not be hindered from attaining development in accordance with their own culture; (b) through mutual cooperation, all peoples should be able to become the principal architects of their own economic and social development (Justice in the World, #71). If any government does not acknowledge the rights of humankind or violates them, it not only fails in its duty, but its orders completely lack juridical force (Peace on Earth, #61). In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, '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... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life' (nos. 1913-1915). Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, #13ScriptureLeviticus 25:23-43; Micah 6:6-8; Jeremiah 22: 13-16; John 15:12-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Promotion of Peace and Disarmament: Catholic social teaching promotes peace as a positive and action-oriented concept. Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon right order among human beings. It involves mutual respect between peoples and nations. Peace means living in right relationship with God and with each other. Peace is the fruit of Charity and the consequence of Justice; it is the sign of caritas in action. There is no true peace without fairness, truth, justice, and solidarity. To wage war on misery and to struggle against injustice is to promote, along with improved conditions, the human and spiritual progress of all people, and therefore the common good of humanity. Peace cannot be limited to a mere absence of war, the result of an ever-precarious balance of forces. No, peace is something that is built up day after day, in the pursuit of an order intended by God, which implies a more perfect form of justice among all people (On the Development of Peoples, #76).

Global Solidarity and Economic Development: Catholic Social Teaching proclaims that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers! We are one human family and interdependent, whatever our national, racial, ethic, economic or religious differences. We must see ourselves in others and collaborate toward solutions. Solidarity is a commitment to strengthen community and promote a just society. We live in an interdependent world; what I do affects others. Authentic economic development must respect and promote the personal, social, economic and political rights of people and nations. It must avoid the extremes of underdevelopment on the one hand and super-development on the other hand. Solidarity is a way of life that recognises that we are all sisters and brothers regardless of race, creed or ethnic background. Solidarity can be seen from two perspectives: first it is an obligation of society and nations, and second it is an obligation of individuals. Solidarity helps us to see the other as our neighbour rather than an instrument to be exploited. Interdependence is also part of solidarity and when we see ourselves in solidarity with the world we commit ourselves to the common good. We have inherited from past generations, and we have benefited from the work of our contemporaries: for this reason we have obligations towards all, and we cannot refuse to interest ourselves in those who will come after us to enlarge the human family. The reality of human solidarity, which is a benefit for us, also imposes a duty (On the Development of Peoples, #17). Scripture Genesis 12: 1-3; Zechariah 8:16; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Humans are sacred and social: As human beings, we are both sacred and social people. Humans have a need to form relationships with others. Communities are formed over time and have an accumulated pool of significant shared memories and shared hopes. Christian life is profoundly social. It is communitarian. Christian spirituality, like Christian identity, emerges from relationships, of which community is a major, enduring and necessary form. Humans thrive in loving and caring community. Compassion is the key human ability that binds sacred, solitary beings into a community that works together to achieve their mutual flourishing and happiness. Human beings are accompanied on the path to fulfilment through the formation of human communities, encompassing how society is organised. Economy, law and policy directly affect human dignity and how individuals are able to grow and flourish within community. While it is very important to love our neighbour, we are also required to have a broader view of life and to take responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole of society, to contribute to the common good. Human dignity can only be realised and protected within society. We must love our neighbour, locally and globally, and prioritize the good of the human family over commercial interests. Becoming a Christian is a lifelong community project. The full power of a community requires intentionality. Membership of a Catholic Christian community involves partaking in the sacramental rites of initiation. Every community of Jesus Christ not only cares for its own but directs social energies beyond itself to the challenges of our larger life upon the earth. Communities endeavour to mediate the abundant gift of the Christ event.