Systemic Change Rooted in Catholic Social Justice Teaching By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director
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he current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted social systems that are serving us well and systems that are failing us. It may be time (or past the time) for change of the systems that are failing us. Systemic change can refer to change in any system, globally, nationally or locally such as health care, affordable housing, economics, immigration, schools, food, etc. It is required when efforts to change one aspect of a system fail to fix the problem and the whole system needs to be transformed. Systemic change requires imagination, innovation, ongoing learning and adaptation. We have a rich treasure of wisdom to guide us through systemic change as well as personally living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of everyday life. This treasure is called Catholic Social Teaching. The Catholic Church has a history of social teaching that goes back centuries and provides a moral challenge for living responsibly and building a just society. Modern Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in Scripture and articulated through official written documents issued by popes, bishops, and other prominent faith leaders. It has evolved over time in response to the challenges of the day. Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life such as social, economic, political, personal, spiritual and environmental. At its core is the protection of the dignity and well-being of all people. Promotion of ethical choices, just interactions within societies, and the preservation of the natural world are also integrated in the teachings.
every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” USCCB Read that again and think about our sisters and brothers who experience homelessness. Do we in the U.S. treat our homeless population as if they are “precious?” Do we “enhance their lives” and their “dignity” as children of our loving Creator? Repeat that exercise but insert a system of your choice and ask the same questions.
Below is the first, and core theme, of seven key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition: Human Dignity.
The world, post COVID-19, will not be the same as it was. Some systems will transform, and some will not. It is my hope that those involved in systemic change will keep Catholic Social Teaching at the forefront.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Sources: Caritas International Catholic Charities USA Catholic Community Services United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. We believe that 20
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