Our Values
Love God & love your neighbour
At the heart of all we do are the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: the dignity of the human person, solidarity, the common good, option for the poor, peace, care for God’s creation and the dignity of work
Dignity of the human person
Life is sacred.
This is the foundational belief of Catholic Social Teaching. Every human person is made in the image and likeness of God and God is present in every person. Therefore, we are called to respect the dignity of every person.
Option for the poor
The needs of the poor and vulnerable come first.
God has a preferential love for the poor - we see this clearly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This means that we are called to close the gap between rich and poor in society and to lift up those suffering in poverty.
The common good
No one should be excluded.
Everyone should be treated equally, all able to receive the fruits of the earth and the gifts of creation. Everyone has the right to participate in society.
Subsidiarity
The freedom of individuals should be respected by the powerful.
What people can accomplish by their own initiative and efforts should not be taken from them by authorities.
Solidarity
We all belong to each other.
As individuals, we are all part of the same human family, all brothers and sisters. This common belonging then requires us to promote peace in the world and towards one another.
Care for creation
We are called to be stewards of God’s creation.
Protecting the planet and its people is a requirement of our faith. All of God’s creation is interconnected and, within this, we have to consider how our actions affect the poorest, who are suffering the effects of the climate crisis the most.
Find out more about Catholic Social Teaching
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of social teaching, reaching from the early church fathers and philosophers of the past to the saints and activists of today.