A synopsis from Caritas in Vertitate

The long awaited encyclical on Catholic Social Teaching has been generally well received. Below is a very brief synopsis from the encyclical and the thoughts of some of the commentators on the main points Pope Benedict makes. The full encyclical can be found at

Charity is at the heart of the Church’s social teaching, based on Matthew 22:36-40, love God and love your neighbour. Neighbour is defined as not just family and friends but your community and all people in the wider world. The Church’s role is to proclaim the truth of Christ’s love in society. Without truth and love there is no social conscience, only self interest which has led to the difficult times we are experiencing.

The key phrase mentioned no less than twenty two times is ‘integral human development’ by which the Pope means ‘the development of the whole man and of all men’. the invitation is to sanctify every human encounter with fraternity, fraternity which is extended to the whole of humanity making one global inclusive family. To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity.

The Pope reminds us that, although the world’s wealth is growing, areas of inequity are on the increase. Economic growth has lifted many out of poverty but problems resulting from climate change, the practices of some multi-national and local companies and corrupt governance are creating new groups of people who are falling into poverty. Many people are hungry and dying of starvation. The problem of food insecurity needs to be addressed with a long term perspective eliminating the structural causes and promoting agricultural development in poorer countries. Access to food and water is a universal right for all human beings without distinction or discrimination.

The current financialcrisis is an opportunity for discernment. As market forces alone have demonstrated, they cannot regulate themselves. The Pope advocates global economic governance. Economic decisions about the use of resources, financing, production and consumption have moral consequences. He suggests a ‘civil market economy’ aimed at achieving the common good and not solely at making profits. Many companies behave as if they are only responsible to their investors. The Pope offers two insights. Firstly, it is increasingly rare for a company to be in the hands of stable directors which reduces the sense of stewardship for the long term life of the company. Secondly the practice of outsourcing weakens the link and therefore the sense of responsibility senior management and shareholders have for their employees and suppliers and the production methods being used. Economic development should also take account of our responsibility to the environment. The natural environment is God’s gift to everyone and in our use of it we have a responsibility to the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole.

The Church has a responsibility towards Creation and she must assert this responsibility. Human ecology (the way we inter-relate with each other) and environmental ecology are closely connected and affect oneanother). If societyloses its respect for life, it loses the concept of human ecology and along with it that of environmental ecology. Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person. Contemporary society needs to review its life style which is often regardless of harmful consequences.

The Pope stresses the dignity of human work which enables workers to be respected and free from discrimination, work that provides for the needs of the family and schooling for children, work which allows workers to organise themselves freely and have a voice, work which leaves room for rediscovering ones roots at a personal, familial and spiritual level and work which gives retired people a decent standard of living. He also encourages Labour Unions to be open to new perspectives in a global context and for them to consider workers in developing countries, where social rights are often violated, as well as the interests of their own membership.

Turning to the regulation of financial institutions, structures and operating methods need to be aimed at ethical wealth creation which creates suitable conditions for human development.

The Pope would also like to see a reform of the United Nations to make it a true world political authority with ‘real teeth’. This seems necessary in order to arrive at a political, juridical and economic order which would bring security for all, a regard for justice and respect for human rights. The outcome would be disarmament, peace, food security, protection of the environment.

Diocese of Nottingham Justice and Peace Commission

Nottingham Diocesan Commitment to the Environment

We are all aware more and more of how interconnected God’s world is. Our local actions have a global impact. What we do now will affest the lives of people in the future.

In every Eucharist we celebrate the gifts of creation with joy and wonder. We also ask God’s forgiveness for our shortfalls and depend on grace to amend our ways. Christ has assured us of his presence with us so we can face challenges without despair.

To deal with the challenge of environmental justice requires us to make many changes. This document offers pointers to help. It brings together varied resources because every individual and every parish is at a different stage of addressing the issues of living lighter on the earth.

Malcolm

Bishop of Nottingham, May 2009

  • Are you interested in consuming less and enjoying creation more?
  • Are you interested in building up your Faith Understanding about climate change?
  • Do you want to be in contact with other Christians who are making changes ion their lives?
  • Have you thought about how your Parish could be greener?
  • Do you have experiences to share with others?

Creationtide

1st September – 4th October

The Feast of St Francis

Resources now available at

please have a look at the

Diocesan Commitment to the Environment

online at:

for loads of ideas and resources.

or contact Tony and Rosy the Justice and Peace field workers on 01332 293836 or