Economic Justice for All

Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, 1986, United States Catholic Bishops

Principal Themes:

  • Every economic decision and institution must be judged in light of whether it protects or undermines the dignity of the human person.
  • Human dignity can be realized and protected only in community.
  • All people have a right to participate in the economic life of society.
  • All members of society have a special obligation to the poor and vulnerable.
  • Human rights are the minimum conditions for life in community.
  • Society as a whole, acting through public and private institutions, has the moral responsibility to enhance human dignity and protect human rights.

 

Dignity of work and workers

“We do not get dignity from power, or money or culture. We get dignity from work.”
Pope Francis in a homily for the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, 5/12/2022

“If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected–the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.”
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Prayer

Gracious God,

We know that your love is infinite and that you care about all areas of our life. 
In this time of economic insecurity, help us to trust that all of our security is in you. 
Keep us mindful that you always have and always will provide for our needs.  
Apart from you we can do nothing. 

Merciful God,
We ask that you give our leaders the wisdom to guide our nation and the world
out of the current economic crisis.  
Help us to protect the poor and all those who are struggling during this difficult time. 
Provide for their needs and give them hope. 
Open new opportunities for them and furnish the resources they need to live with dignity.  Encourage those who have enough to share essential resources
with those who lack the necessities of life,
and to do so with humble, grateful and loving hearts. 

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops