S. Bishop, and the establishment of an economy that supports such principles and efforts to bring them about in a practical and direct manner is not only an issue of social importance but also of religious merit (Mahony 2007). For immigrants, minority groups, and other disadvantaged populations, the social justice that is demanded by Catholic theology must be built on a solid economic foundation. If people are used in service to the economy, they will necessarily be exploited and issues of social justice will only worsen; if instead the economy is used to serve the people that comprise it, the needs of social justice will almost automatically be met, and greater equality will prevail (USCB 1986; Mahony 2007).
A just economy also necessarily entails a similar preferential treatment of the underdog in regards to the environment, according to other comments made by prominent United States' bishops (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 1991). The economy cannot serve humanity...
This shows the same general perspective towards the economy and its role in creating social justice that is demonstrated by the view of the economy's relationship to the people of the world that exists elsewhere in current Catholic dogma.
References
Mahony, R. (2007). "The Challenge of "We the People" in a Post-9/11 World: Immigration, the American Economy and the Constitution." Accessed 13 May 2010. http://www.usccb.org/mrs/templeton.shtml
US Catholic Bishops. (1986). "Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy." Accessed 13 May 2010. http://www.osjspm.org/economic_justice_for_all.aspx
US Conference of Ctaholic Bishops. (1991). "Renewing the Earth." Accessed 13 May 2010. http://conservation.catholic.org/u_s_bishops.htm
