Our guiding principles

Caritas Australia: Catholic Social Teaching principles

The Caritas Internationalis Confederation is one of the world’s largest disaster response and development networks with a presence in over 190 countries.

CREDIT: James Alcock

Caritas is improving food security in Uganda through many successful sustainable agriculture programs.

CREDIT: Sean Sprague

The international aid and development work of Caritas Australia is reflective of the life of Jesus Christ, and shaped by the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching principles:

Preferential Option for the Poor

Caritas Australia will work with communities who experience poverty, injustice, hunger and oppression regardless of their religious, political or cultural beliefs.

Human Dignity

Caritas Australia will work with communities in ways that respect, enhance and build their human dignity, empowering them to be authentic agents of change in their own lives, families, communities and societies.

Solidarity

Caritas Australia will work with international, Australian Indigenous and all other partners in a spirit of mutual respect, transparency and integrity so that walls of hatred and prejudice, division and oppression will be transformed, so that a better future is built for the world’s poorest people, and where the common good of all people is promoted.

Subsidiarity

Caritas Australia will work within the structures of the Catholic community and of the local community, both internationally and within Australia. This will enable swift and culturally appropriate responses to need. Caritas Australia’s decision-making processes will engage those affected by decisions and policies and reflect transparency and accountability.

Stewardship of the Earth’s Resources

Caritas Australia will work for the integrity of creation in ways which assist the world’s poorest communities to have access to a greater share of resources, encouraging sustainability and equity, and respect for the environment.