Catholic Social Teaching

Fundamental Teaching

1. All human beings are created in the image of God
This affirms the dignity of each person – man, woman, child (CCC no. 2334).
We are social by nature and all must relate to one another (GS no. 32)
All have the right to migrate when needed for our good (PT no 25)

2. The Catholic Church has a right and responsibility to speak up regarding migrant issues
The Church, founded by Jesus Christ, is an expert in humanity (GS no. 3).
The Church does not restrict religion to selected areas of life (GS no. 43)

3. The Catholic Church has the mission to guide moral judgment (CCC no. 2420)



 

Specific Teaching

Responding to the reality of migration, the Church urges us to be...

1. A hospitable Church:
Giving signs of acceptance and solidarity to all newcomers (PP no. 67)
Helping families to remain together or to be reunited (GS no. 6)
Freeing persons from isolation (GS no 32).

2. A culturally rich and enriching Church:
Respecting the culture of each migrant (CCC no. 814)
Encouraging migrants to retain their language and culture (PT no. 96)
Affirming the richness of popular devotion and the expressions of faith of different migrant groups (CCC nos. 1674, 1676).

3. A caring Church:
Responding to the migrants’ temporal and religious needs (GS no. 66)
Addressing the particularly oppressive situation of migrant women (GS no 29).

4. A prophetic Church:
Defending the human rights of migrant workers and their families (JW no. 36)
Affirming the role of the laity in seeking solutions (CCC no. 2423),
Protecting the common good and social well-being, working for justice and peace for all concerned (CCC nos. 1906-09)

5. A missionary and evangelizing Church Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action (EV no 29)
Forming communities of prayer and service (EV no 24)
Being mutually evangelized as we build up the Kingdom of God (AA no.3)

Taken from Who Are My Sisters and Brothers? A Catholic Educational Guide for Understanding and Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees
Copyright 1996, United States Catholic Conference, Washington, D.C.

Information in brackets refers to Church documents. See below.