There are several encyclicals (letters or documents written by Popes) that are often associated with Catholic Social Teaching. Pastoral letters (written by bishops) give us reflections that are particularly relevant in a geographic location or cultural context. Along with the Bible – both Old and New Testaments – these letters clarify the Church’s position on many issues related to life in society. You can download and read any of these letters for free at the following links.

Bishop Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has written these pastoral letters:

• Setting Children Free (2012 – on poverty)
• Hearts Made Whole (2011 – on addiction and mental illness)
• On My Holy Mountain (2010 – on mine safety)
• A Church That Heals (2006 – on health and well-being in WV)

Collectively, the Bishops of the 25 dioceses of Appalachia have signed the following pastoral letters:

• At Home in the Web of Life (1995 – on sustainable communities)
• This Land is Home to Me (1975 – on poverty and powerlessness)
  (The Catholic Committee of Appalachia has made both letters available in one volume/file here.)

  And for a comprehensive list of encyclicals and pastorals that have to do with CST, check out this link.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops defines 7 principles. You can read descriptions of each of the principles and get more information at the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Or, contact Kate.

• The Dignity of the Human Person – All people are a reflection of the image of God, and thus all human life, at all stages from conception through natural death is sacred. The basic dignity that each person possesses comes from God. People take precedence over things and structures. Systems are meant to serve people, not the other way around.
• Community and the Common Good – The mystery of the trinity involves the relationship of complete love among the three divine persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one God. As persons made in God’s image, we are fundamentally social. In community we realize the fulfillment of our dignity and rights in relationship with and to others.
• Rights and Responsibilities – People have basic rights and responsibilities because of our human dignity that reflects the fact that we have been created in God’s image. Catholic teaching emphasizes that people have a right to life and to the basic necessities that provide quality to life: food, shelter, health care, education, and employment. We are called to respect the rights of others and to seek the common good.
• Option for the Poor – The Gospel calls Christians to put the needs of the poor first. A common moral test of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable people. Wherever there is structural injustice, Christians are called to oppose it. Those with the greatest need require the greatest response.
• The Dignity of Work – Work is an expression of our dignity and our involvement in God’s creation. People have a right to decent work, fair wages, and private property. The economy exists to serve people.
• Solidarity – We are all one human family in the world. Because we realize our dignity, rights and responsibilities in relationship with others, we need to continue to build a community that empowers people to attain their full human potential. By working for justice, we fulfill our mandate to build the body of Christ.
• Care for God’s Creation – On a planet conflicted over environmental issues we are called to respect our Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship will all of God’s creation.