Theology and Spiritual Action Research Starter

Formed by a small group of Franciscans and others in 1989, Pace e Bene is a growing community representing a diversity of spiritual traditions and cultural backgrounds that networks with nonviolence practitioners in many parts of the world.

Through trainings, strategic consultation, or joint action, Pace e Bene collaborates with international, national, and local organizations, religious communities, and movements taking nonviolent action to: foster just and lasting peace; champion human rights; challenge the violence of poverty and multiple forms of oppression; and strengthening spiritually-based initiatives for justice and peace

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops identifies 7 themes that lie at the heart of Catholic Social tradition. The Themes of Catholic Social Teaching are:

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person -- "The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society . . . "

2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation -- "The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community . . . ."

3. Rights and Responsibilities -- "The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities met. . . ."

4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable -- "A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring . . . ."

5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers -- "The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation . . . . "

6. Solidarity -- "We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, whatever they may be. . . . "

7. Care for God's Creation -- "We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan . . .

- from United States Catholic Conference of Bishops

Enacting Social justice is one of the three
"Constitutive Elements of Church"

• Scripture -- hearing the Good News WORD
• Sacraments -- worship, prayer life, etc. WORSHIP
• Social Mission -- action for social justice WORLD

In his most recent Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict stresses the basis of the Church's Social Teachings and its relation to faith, reason and charity in action.

Sources:

• "Catholic Social Teaching: A Key to Catholic Identity"  PPT presentation developed by the Office for SocialJustice,
• Caritas in Veritate