Catholic justice groups: CARJ, CAFOD, SVP

The Catholic Church teaches…

“Every type of discrimination whether social or cultural , sex, race, colour, social condition, language or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent” Gaudium et Specs

Catholic belief on social justice

• God is the Father of all

• Every human is created in the image and likeness of God

• All people have a certain dignity / rights

• “Love thy neighbour as you love yourself”

• The Parable of the sheep and the goats

Key principle of Church teaching on social justice

• all life which comes from God must be respected from the moment of conception

• as citizens human beings have the right to take part in political debate by voting

• respect and care for the planet

• humans have the right not to be discriminated on the grounds of race, religion, colour, gender or age

SVP

• global organisation working independently within communities

• aims to help those in need

• live out the teaching of Jesus

• People volunteer for the SVP

• Named after Saint Vincent as he is renowned for helping the poor

CARJ

• supports and empowers other races so that they have a voice

• work towards a cohesive society

• target young people

• work alongside parishes and the diocese

• raise awareness for racial justice

• support spiritual growth

CAFOD

• Catholic agency that works to promote stewardship and global citizenship

• works to educate people on the problems facing the world today (poverty, climate change, war, injustice etc)

• aim to reflect the kingdom of God: a world where the rights and dignity of every person are respected and have access to basic needs

• Emergency aid - helping those most at risk from disasters

• Long term aid - give people necessary skills to deal with their own problems ( education, training, employment

• Education - help people understand the causes of poverty

• Fundraising - raises funds from the catholic community in england and wales