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Anchor Concept: Distribution (PDF File)

DISTRIBUTION

The principle of distribution is an important part of Catholic Social Teaching. This principle tells us that the goods of the earth were created by God to be shared by all. The increasing "gap" between nations due to unequal sharing of resources, food, or economic capability is not in keeping with the principle of distribution. Many nations experience severe economic hardship and a growing burden of debt while others enjoy great affluence. There is an increasing concentration of wealth and power among countries, and within countries, as the gap between rich and poor citizens continues to widen. The wealthy have a moral responsibility toward their neighbours whose development is impeded by poverty, misfortune, or by unfavourable systems, structures and policies. Individuals and institutions must make 'lifestyle' adjustments in response to the growing concentration of resources to ensure that God's will for the just distribution of all the earth's goods can be fulfilled. The principle of distribution calls us to take concrete steps to remedy the widening economic gap between 'haves' and 'have-nots,' who are the object of God's preferential love.

Related Concepts:

RIGHTEOUSNESS
CHARITY
MERCY / COMPASSION
RELIEF / AID
SOCIAL JUSTICE
PROGRAM / POLICY
QUALITY OF LIFE
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH
GLOBAL COMMUNITY / TRADE
EMPOWERMENT
CONVERSION / INFLUENCE / POWER
POVERTY
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR
COLLABORATION / COOPERATION
DEVELOPMENT / PROGRESS / GROWTH
PEACE
Corresponding Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:
 
CGE1d Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good
CGE1e Speaks the language of life... "recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it." (Witnesses to Faith)
CGE1h Respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will
CGE3d Makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience
CGE3f Examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society
CGE4a Demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others
CGE5f Exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals
CGE6e Ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community through service
CGE7d Promotes the sacredness of life
CGE7e Witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society
CGE7f Respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world's peoples and cultures
CGE7g Respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society
CGE7j Contributes to the common good