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 are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
To One Another
Underlying the principle of the common good is respect for the human person as such, endowed with basic and inalienable rights ordered to his or her integral development.
To Our Families
It has to do with the overall welfare of society and the development of a variety of intermediate groups, applying the principle of subsidiarity. Outstanding among those groups is the family, as the basic cell of society.
To the Larger Society
Finally, the common good calls for social peace, the stability and security provided by a certain order which cannot be achieved without particular concern for distributive justice; whenever this is violated, violence always ensues.
Leviticus 25:35
When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help.
Jeremiah 22: 13-16
A legitimate government upholds the rights of the poor and vulnerable.
Tobit 4:5-11
Give from what you have received and do not turn away from the poor.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth to speak on behalf of those in need.
More Information
Watch our Catholic Social Teaching Series on this topic for more information or visit the USCCB website!
