"Goal of rescuing peoples, first and foremost, from hunger, deprivation, endemic diseases and illiteracy. From the economic point of view, this meant their active participation on equal terms in economic process” From Caritas in Veritate

One of the best elements of Benedict XVI's encyclical is its reminder that we are in charge of the economic process. We don't act or talk this way much of the time. But in fact, if we don't consume -- if we don't shop, or bank, or work and put money into the economic system -- then the economic system does not work.

What Benedict is calling us to do is to remember that we are responsible for participating in the economic system. We need, however, a state to protect our actice participation in this process, a participation that must be equal. An economic system that denies some participants participation or gives to some greater power or voice than others violates our human dignity.

Not only that, but it undermines the economic system. Why would we say that government works better through democracy but deny the same fact about the economy? A progressive and satisfying economic system is one in which each and every human beings can participate as equals.

Let's support those institutions which promote such equal participation, whether they be co-ops or credit unions or other forms of local economies.

Tags: Charity, Economic Justice, Benedict XVI