Catholic Social Teaching

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter Against Racism
"The injustice and harm racism causes are an attack on human life.  The Church in the United States has spoken out consistently and forcefully against abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, the death penalty, and other forms of violence that threaten human life.  It is not a secret that these attacks on human life have severely affected people of color, who are disproportionally affected by poverty, targeted for abortion, have less access to healthcare, have the greatest numbers on death row, and are most likely to feel pressure to end their lives when facing serious illness.  As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue. Accordingly, we will not cease to speak forcefully against and work toward ending racism. Racism directly places brother and sister against each other, violating the dignity inherent in each person. The Apostle James commands the Christian: “show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (Jas 2:1)." (page 30 of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter Against Racism)

Resources: 
Read the full pastoral letter.
See the following USCCB resources: A Call to Address Racism in Our Hearts and Communities; What Is Systemic Racism; and Scripture Reflection: Unity in the Body of Christ.
Check out some of the resources in the diocese's Reading List.


Nuclear Disarmament
What does the Roman Catholic Church teach about nuclear disarmament? The social teaching of the Church on this issue has its origins in the fifth commandment, Thou shall not kill: "The commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life" (CCC 2307), and the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Mt.5).

The Church teaches that: "All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war." (CCC 2308). Although the Church does allow for the rightful self-defense, it is clear that defense is the last alternativ,e only allowed after all efforts of peace have failed. Concerning the accumulation of arms as a method of deterrence, the Church has strong moral reservations. "The arms race does not ensure peace" (CCC 2315). The cost impedes aid to needy and thwarts the development of peoples, not to mention the danger of escalation. To quote Gaudium et Spes: "The arms race is one of the greatest curses on the human race and the harm it inflicts on the poor is more than can be endured” (GS 81).