Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
The Life and Dignity of a Human Person
The Life and Dignity of her Human Person is the foremost and guiding principle of Catholic Social Teaching. It proclaims that all human life is precious and should be treated as such. Naturally, this theme of human dignity directly opposes the actions of abusers. All lives, including those of children with intellectual disabilities or behavioral disorders, are sacred and therefore should not have to undergo abuse or mistreatment. Theologian Amos Yong builds upon this theme in his book, Theology and Down Syndrome, in which he describes the relationship between disability and theology while drawing on his brother's experience with Down Syndrome. Yong believes that those with disabilities shall be resurrected as such, being that their whole being, their disability included, makes them them, the same beings made in the image and likeness of God. Yong’s beliefs about disabilities persisting in heaven as a part of each person’s perfect identity correlates directly with the theme of the life and dignity of each human person. It is also backed by Scripture, which tells us that God created every human in his image. This is specifically addressed in Genesis 1: 26-31.
Depiction of the first CST
Rights and Responsibilities
The second Catholic Social Teaching which calls us to act against this injustice is Rights and Responsibilities. As its name suggests, this theme calls us to protect the inherent human rights of all people and uphold the responsibilities of human decency intrinsic in Catholic faith. Children with intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders have the same rights as all humans. Additionally, able-minded individuals must take up the responsibility of not only not abusing and mistreating the less fortunate, but helping to protect and support children with developmental disabilities to ensure their safety and simply their ease in life. In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Statement on People With Disabilities, the Church declares that:
“The same Jesus who heard the cry for recognition from the disabled of Judea and Samaria two thousand years ago calls us, his followers, to embrace our responsibility to our own disabled brothers and sisters in the United States.”
We must embrace the simple responsibility of supporting and helping those with disabilities of all kinds, physical and mental. This theme is upheld by Scripture such as Proverbs 31: 8-9 which tells us to speak for those who are in need. Not only this, but the Catholic Church actively works toward their responsibility to disabled people. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has outlined guidelines for disabled people to be able to celebrate the Sacraments with dignity and accessibility. Just as the Church upholds their responsibility, so must other able bodied/minded individuals uphold their responsibility toward their fellow humans.
Options for the Poor and Vulnerable
This teaching calls Catholics to put the needs of the most vulnerable first. It is crucial that we put the needs of developmentally disabled children (particularly those victims of abuse) above others, as they are the most vulnerable and require the most support. Disabled theologian Nancy Eiesland explores this in her article Encountering the Disabled God. She says,
“The primary problem for the church is not how to "accommodate" disabled persons. The problem is a disabling theology that functionally denies inclusion and justice for many of God's children.”
With this system which intrinsically sets disabled people back, we must prioritize the needs of these people and allow them to feel welcome and uplifted. Eiesland says that to achieve this, we must hear disabled voices, honor their experiences, and allow their gifts to flourish. Exodus 22:20-26 tells us not to oppress the poor and vulnerable and that God will hear their cries. Instead of oppressing, mistreating, or abusing those with intellectual disabilities or behavioral disorders, we must put their needs first to prevent the suffering they face.