The social teaching of the Church is a call to each of us to reach out to our fellow
brothers and sisters. It is about God's call to us to "Love one another as I have loved
you". Over the decades, the social teaching of the Church has been expounded in
numerous church documents by many including popes and bishops.

Caritas Singapore together with the Singapore Pastoral Institute (SPI) has summarised the
Catholic Church's social teaching into the following ten principles:

	Principle of Human Dignity Every human person is of infinite dignity and has rights and duties by virtue of being human. Moreover we are all of equal dignity.
	Principle of Association We are meant to be in community. Besides the family, people also have a right to form socio-economic, religious and political associations for the development of the common good and for personal development.
	Principle of Subsidiarity These natural groupings should be helped to flourish and not be disempowered by having a higher-level body take over what these groups can do for themselves.
	Principle of Participation We have a right and duty to have a say and take action in what determines our well-being and our future.
	Principle of the Common Good We must seek the good of the broader community and not just our own interests. Moreover, the concerns of everyone need to be addressed and not just what suits the majority.
	Principle of the Universal Destination of Goods God intended for all the world's resources to be enjoyed by everyone, and not just a few. Moreover, we should have a 'preferential option for the poor' and see to it that the most vulnerable also have what they need.
	Principle of Solidarity Every human person is connected to every other person. We are called to serve one another and to build up the human family.
	Principle of the Dignity of Work Human work even in its humblest form has an intrinsic dignity. This also implies the need to ensure that all people have working conditions worthy of the children of God.
	Principle of the Dignity of Creation We are not owners but stewards of God's creation. Caring for the earth, for each other and for ourselves is an essential part of our mission.
	Principle of the Promotion of Peace We are called to seek true and lasting peace, which implies right relationships all round - within ourselves, with God, one another and the environment.

For more information, you may refer to a chronological summary of the key church
documents on the Church's social teaching prepared by SPI or link into other
catholic websites that describe our social teaching.