There are particular societies that correspond more directly
to the nature of man principally the family and the state. Both these principal
societies are essential to man’s well-being.
The promotion of voluntary associations and institutions are
to be encouraged in order encourage the maximum amount of participation by all
people. These can be on a national or international scale. The associations are
instrumental in developing the qualities of the person, not least initiative,
responsibility and the guarantee of rights.
However there are also dangers. Excessive interference and
intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative. So the
Church teaches the principle of subsidiarity:
…a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good. CA 48.4
Leaders of societies: the way God acts in governing the
world should be the principle by which all governing by human authorities
should be based: God does not reserve to Himself the exercise of all power. God
entrusts to every creature its own powers that are proper to it. And so it is
that human authorities should delegate power to those competent and gifted to
exercise it. Thus human authorities and leaders should be ministers of divine
providence.
This principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of
collectivism. There are to be limits to state intervention. It should aim at
harmony between individuals and societies, and tend toward order and peace.
Fr Ian
