Role of Government and Subsidiarity
“The characteristic implication of subsidiarity is participation… by means of which the citizen, whether directly or through representation, contributes to the cultural, economic, political and social life of the community… participation is a duty to be fulfilled by all, with responsibility and with a view to the common good.” –Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, #189
Government should serve society and respect the contributions to society from different parts of the community; everyone should have a voice at the table and participate in creating the common good. Subsidiarity means creating change from the smallest or lowest level of authority possible.
Students from Catholic colleges and universities participate in a legislative advocacy day on Capitol Hill.
Explore a collection of resources that explore the role of government and the principle of subsidiarity as central themes of Catholic Social Teaching. These resources highlight the balance between empowering local communities and ensuring the government fulfills its responsibility to promote justice, protect human dignity, and serve the common good.
On this page, you’ll find:
- Foundational Overviews: Accessible explanations of subsidiarity and its relationship to the role of government in Catholic Social Teaching.
- Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools that inspire reflection on justice, governance, and the responsibility to uphold human dignity.
- Educational Resources: Lesson plans and discussion guides to help learners understand the importance of subsidiarity in fostering just and effective governance.
- Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that bring to life the Church’s teachings on the interplay between government responsibilities and community empowerment.
- Advocacy and Action Tools: Practical resources for promoting policies and systems that respect subsidiarity while addressing societal challenges.
These resources provide educators, faith leaders, and advocates with a deeper understanding of how Catholic Social Teaching informs governance and decision-making. They empower individuals and communities to advocate for systems that promote justice, equity, and the flourishing of all.
This film discussion guide provides questions to go along with the animated documentary, Flee.
These recommendations for summer reading are organized by spiritual reading, non-fiction, and fiction. These works are connected to one or more themes of Catholic Social Teaching and highlight...
This resource list provides suggested books, articles, and videos that teach about the legacy of colonization and the genocide of Indigenous Peoples in the United States and Canada. In particular,...
In this video, Mia Murdock of Red Cloud High School and Rosella Kinoshameg of the Wiikwekoong First Nation are interviewed by Cecilia Calvo of the Office of Justice and Ecology for the Jesuit...
This prayer service uses quotes from Robert F. Kennedy, a transformed leader who spent his career as a politician putting the marginalized and impoverished at the center of his policy...
This month’s calendar offers daily reflections and actions to celebrate EFJ’s theme for the month of November 2018: Rejoice and Be Glad: Voices for Subsidiarity.
Fr. Fred Kammer reflects on the very relevant connection between Catholic social thought and politics in this timely resource.
This film discussion guide helps us discern what actually helps those in poverty and what current programs, policies, and systems may be well-meaning but do not create long-term change.
In this reflection, Fr. Fred Kammer reminds us that resistance means saying “yes” to life as well as saying “no” to anything that devalues the human person.
This resource offers an insight into the cold genocide currently being carried out against Falun Gong practitioners in China. Despite official claims from the Chinese government, this resource...
As we approach tax time, let us pray to remember that taxes are a contribution to the common good, and we that have the responsibility to advocate for just distribution of the taxes our government...
Creative Voice Anthony Giancatarino offers a personal reflection on how to overcome the fatigue of community organizing through subsidiarity. He suggests that instead of “doing something for...
