Social doctrine text says its mandate is human dignity, common good

Published: 2004-10-25

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The God-given dignity of humans and the obligation to promote the common good of all the world's people require the Catholic Church to speak on social issues, said the new "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church." The church's social doctrine offers criteria for judging various aspects of public and social life and provides guidelines for "conforming them to the demands of Christian morality," said the book, released Oct. 25 at the Vatican. Drafted at the request of Pope John Paul II by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the compendium explains church teachings related to politics, war, the economy, the environment, work and legislation impacting family life, among other topics. "Insofar as it is part of the church's moral teaching," the volume said, "the church's social doctrine has the same dignity and authority as her moral teaching." At an Oct. 25 press conference about the volume, officials from the justice and peace council said the book was reviewed and approved by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith because it pertains to the church's moral teaching.

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