Six Moral Principles for Today’s Tough Economic Times 

This Liguori News story is taken from “Economic Justice For All: 25th Anniversary, Wisdom for Today,” an issue of Liguori Publications’ “Catholic Update” newsletter.   

Learn more about Catholic Update at: subscriptions.liguori.org/ 

Six Moral Principles for Today’s Tough Economic Times 

By Kenneth R. Overburg, S.J. 

Does faith still have a role in these difficult days? Absolutely! The pastoral letter of the U.S. bishops, Economic Justice for All, published in November, 1986, still offers insight, challenge, and hope.  

Based on the scriptural foundations, the bishops offer six moral principles that remain relevant for today’s tough economic times. 

People Have Dignity

“Every economic decision and institution must be judged in the light of whether it protects or undermines the dignity of the human person” (#13, Economic Justice for All) 

Created in the image of God, every person is sacred, whatever one’s achievements or economic status. The economy, then, must serve people and not just profit. 

We Live Together

“Human dignity can be realized and protected only in community” (#14). 

Here, the pastoral message focuses on the social dimension of human existence. We are all connected to the common good, described by Pope John XXIII as all those conditions of society that enable people more fully to achieve their own perfection as human beings. A just economy serves all people and not just the privileged few. Love of neighbor must include this social commitment, so the bishops ask “Does the economic life enhance or threaten our life together as a community?” 

Everyone Participates 

“All people have a right to participate in the economic life of society” (#15). 

This third principle seems so simple and direct, yet has such profound implications. More and more, the Church’s social teachings have emphasized the importance of participation, that is, people having the opportunity to shape their own destiny. While it is good to protect workers and the poor, it is even better for these people to be empowered through employment to “meet their material needs, exercise their talents, and... contribute to the larger community”. 

Protect the Poor

“All members of society have a special obligation to the poor and vulnerable” (#16). 

In this section, the bishops call on all disciples of Jesus to “speak for the voiceless, to defend the defenseless, to assess lifestyles, policies, and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor”. 

Protect Human Rights

“Human rights are the minimum conditions for life in community” (#17). 

Catholic social teaching has specified these rights. They include the right to life, food, shelter, medical care, education, and employment. Clearly these rights include economic rights along with civil and political ones. 

Government has a Role

“Society as a whole, acting through public and private institutions, has the moral responsibility to enhance human dignity and protect human rights” (#18).  

Catholic social teaching has consistently emphasized government’s essential responsibility in safeguarding human rights.