Human rights and social justice

Question 1

What do Catholics believe about human rights?

Answer 1

• all people are children of God and created in God’s image (imago Dei),the characteristics of God are reflected in all human beings and for this reason they believe each individual has worth and value
• Life is a gift from God and is therefore holy and should be valued and preserved.

Question 2

How does the Catholic church promote human rights?

Answer 2

• Charities such as CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)
• Providing funding to build wells for fresh water, fighting for Fairtrade to help farmers and producers, providing aid and legal help to asylum seekers and refugees
• St Vincent de Paul charity groups helping those in need in the local community

Question 3

What is liberation theology?

Answer 3

• movement within Christianity
• puts into practice the Christian idea that God has the power to change situations in the world that are unjust.
• do this through protests or supporting charities

Question 4

Name an example of conflict between religion and law?

Answer 4

• Oscar Romero spoke out against the injustices of the government after his friend died, he was alter assassinated
• same sex marriage becoming legal but still not allowed in the Catholic church

Question 5

What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church describe about common good?

Answer 5

• Rights, government must respect and protect the rights of each person
• Needs, Governments should make accessible what is needed to lead a truly human life,
• Peace - Governments should ensure a morally acceptable means of security and defence of its people in order to protect them.