A Catholic Approach to Subsidiarity

This video is part of a series of short videos from the Catholic Centre for Social Thought and Practice, focusing on areas of Catholic Social Teaching in relation to key social and political issues.
In this video, Sr Margaret Atkins CRSA, explores the concept of subsidiarity and identities ways in which Catholic Social Teaching can help us engage with our political context.
After watching the video, you can use these questions for further reflection, either as an individual or in a group. These are prompts to adapt in whatever way works for you.
Sometimes these issues are not easy to talk about, so make sure that people feel safe and listened to, especially if they are sharing personal experience. You may wish to start and finish the discussion with prayer or silence.
After your discussion, you may decide to take action or want to learn more. You can use these further resources and videos from CCSTP: www.ccstp.org.uk
1. Sr Margaret talks about us all being ‘made in the image of God’. In her words, this gives us human dignity, intelligence, freedom, creativity and responsibility. How can using each of these gifts help us engage with the society around us?
2. As Christians, we believe that we are made to live in communion and that we flourish when we work together. This video urges us to celebrate wherever we see this already happening. What examples can you share from your life, parish or local community, however large or small?
3. Sr Margaret says that Catholic teaching sees work, whether paid or unpaid, as something positive. How can this Catholic idea of the goodness of work help us approach issues like unemployment, unstable and low paid work, or asylum seekers not being allowed to work?
4. How can an understanding of subsidiarity bring us hope even when our society faces great challenges? Sr Margaret uses the example of healthcare. Are there other examples close to your heart?
5. The video suggests asking the question: ‘How does this action or policy help people to help themselves?’ How could remembering this question help you put questions and concerns to local and national politicians?
Further resources on subsidiarity from Sr Margaret
Possible Discussion Questions
1) How would you explain what subsidiarity means to a friend who had never heard of it?
2) How does it connect to other areas of your Catholic faith?
3) Where can you see it in practice in your daily life?
4) Where would it be helpful to have more of it?
5) What can it contribute to today’s political debate?
Resources
Second Vatican Council
Lumen Gentium Chapter IV
Papal encyclicals
Rerum Novarum 28-29, 36-38
Quadragesimo Anno 78-80
Mater et Magistra 51-58, 150-152
Pacem in Terris 140-41
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis 15
Centesimus Annus 48-49
Caritas in Veritate 34-42, 57-58
Fratelli Tutti 187, 233-35
Official teaching summarised in: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 185-88
(see also 189-91)
Recent books on Catholic Social Teaching
Anna Rowlands, Towards a Politics of Communion, ch. 9.
Edward Hadas, Counsels of Imperfection, pp. 78-89.
A few books and a DVD that show subsidiarity without using the word:
Hilary Cottam, Radical Help; Paul Hawken, Blessed Unrest; Rob Hopkins, From What Is to What If Cyril Dion and Melanie Laurent, Demain (DVD - some French with English sub-titles)
Areas of Practical Subsidiarity
Your family
Your church
Your friends, neighbours, clubs, societies, networks
Local schools
Community groups - food-growing, energy-provision, social activities, food clubs, community-building etc.
Local and regional politics
Charities and Community Interest Companies
Healthcare mutual support groups
Some examples of subsidiarity in practice in the UK:
Incredible Edibles; Transition Towns; Community Supported Agriculture; Thriving
Communities (permaculture); Community Energy projects; Community Connectors.