Unit rationale, description and aim
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is developed through the application of universal principles such as Human Dignity, the Common Good, Solidarity, Stewardship, the Preferential Option for the Poor, Participation and so on, in particular contexts, and in ways which demonstrate our belief that the Scriptures reveal to us a God of life, justice, compassion, and tenderness. This unit will take the form of an international study tour in an Asian country in order to experience the ways that the Catholic community demonstrates and develops CST through social services, education and health and social justice agencies. In looking at the challenges posed by contemporary expressions of vulnerability, exclusion, oppression and injustice, the unit considers the potential to engage in principled works of giving (charity and social services), including (social inclusion of people with disabilities or the rehabilitation of people surviving trafficking), enabling (community development, self-determination and environmental protection), and amplifying (the engagement in public policy advocacy). The two-week tour will take place in the Philippines, India or Vietnam.