It is important for the political directorate in a country to collaborate with civil society in a manner that empowers them to make and implement decisions on their own behalf or at least to be active participants in decision-making processes in a society. “The political community is responsible for regulating its relations with civil society according to the principle of subsidiarity.”

This is very important for democracy. The Compendium tells us “it is essential that the growth of democratic life begin within the fabric of society. The activities of civil society — above all volunteer organisations and cooperative endeavours in the private-social sector, all of which are succinctly known as the ‘third sector’, to distinguish from the State and the market — represent the most appropriate ways to develop the social dimension of the person, who finds in these activities the necessary space to express himself fully.”

Here we see that the Church’s view of the purpose and great benefits of civil society extend beyond achieving the common good. It sees people’s involvement in civil society organisations as a way for them to self actualise, and to fulfil God’s purpose for them. People’s reasons for joining civil society organisations differ.

Some people join in order to provide service in an area of interest which allows them to give back some of what they received from the community.  Others have a passion for a cause and they see joining a particular group as a way of achieving goals related to furthering their cause. Some join because they have free time; others join because they want to socialise.

What the Church’s teaching on civil society forces us to do is to really assess what real value can be obtained from our involvement in civil society organisations, not only for the community but for ourselves

People’s involvement in groups also allows them the opportunity to be directly involved in the changes that they want to see in the community. This also is very useful as it gives the state and/or political directorate the necessary support it needs in achieving results at the most local and individual level of the society.

“The progressive expansion of social initiatives beyond the State-controlled sphere creates new areas for the active presence and direct action of citizens, integrating the functions of the State. This important phenomenon has often come about largely through informal means and has given rise to new and positive ways of exercising personal rights, which have brought about a qualitative enrichment of democratic life.”

Further the Church views this collaboration between the state and civil society as very important to promoting cohesion and togetherness in a society. “Cooperation, even in its less structured forms, shows itself to be one of the most effective responses to a mentality of conflict and unlimited competition that seems so prevalent today.

The relationships that are established in a climate of cooperation and solidarity overcome ideological divisions, prompting people to seek out what unites them rather than what divides them.”

“Many experiences of volunteer work are examples of great value that call people to look upon civil society as a place where it is possible to rebuild a public ethic based on solidarity, concrete cooperation and fraternal dialogue.

All are called to look with confidence to the potentialities that thus present themselves and to lend their own personal efforts for the good of the community in general and, in particular, for the good of the weakest and the neediest. In this way, the principle of the ‘subjectivity of society’ is also affirmed.”

Next week we begin discussion about the State and religious communities. 

Persons interested in purchasing the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church can contact the Justice Desk, Archbishop’s House at 622-6680. Also on sale at the Justice Desk is Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching.