Solidarity
International Affairs
Background
In light of the Gospel’s invitation to be peacemakers, our commitment to solidarity with our neighbors – both at home and abroad – also demands that we promote peace and pursue justice in a world marred by terrible violence and conflict. Decisions on the use of force should be guided by traditional moral criteria and undertaken only as a last resort. A more just world will likely be a more peaceful world, a world less vulnerable to terrorism and other violence. The United States has the responsibility to take the lead in addressing the scandal of poverty and underdevelopment.
Forming Consciences of Faithful Citizenship 2007, 53, 88
Action
- Participate in Operation Rice Bowl during Lent
- Sponsor a child in need
- Go on a mission trip
Links
USCCB - Office of International Justice and Peace
Catholic Relief Services
Voices of Our World
Comboni Missionaries
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Orlando Diocese Mission Office
Catholic Campaign to Ban Landmines
Repeated Social Teaching
The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of "friendship" or "social charity," is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood…Solidarity is manifested in the first place by the distribution of goods and remuneration for work. It also presupposes the effort for a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation. Socio-economic problems can be resolved only with the help of all the forms of solidarity: solidarity of the poor among themselves, between rich and poor, of workers among themselves, between employers and employees in a business, solidarity among nations and peoples. International solidarity is a requirement of the moral order; world peace depends in part upon this. The virtue of solidarity goes beyond material goods. In spreading the spiritual goods of the faith, the Church has promoted, and often opened new paths for, the development of temporal goods as well. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1939-1942
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In this era of globalization, we are more aware of the interconnected nature of our world. Problems that were once far from our shores have become our own. We are compelled to look beyond our borders to places of poverty and despair that cry out for a response. Statement on the Holy Father’s 2005 World Day of Peace Message, Bishop John H. Ricard
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