Created by God in His image, the human person is the clearest reflection of God among us. Our human dignity comes from God, not from our nationality, race, sex, economic status, or any other personal accomplishment. At the same time however, we believe that the human person is not only sacred but also social. Through Scripture and the teaching of our Church, we come to understand that every society can be judged by what its economic system does for people, to people and whether it permits everyone to participate in its economy. All people have a right and an obligation to participate in the economic life of society.
Basic justice demands that people be assured a minimum level of participation.
It is wrong for a person or group ignore their responsibility. It is also wrong for them to be unfairly excluded. For example, people who are both able and willing to work, but cannot get a job, are deprived of the participation that is so vital to human development. For it is through employment that most individuals and families meet their material needs, exercise their talents and have an opportunity to contribute to the larger community. Such participation has special significance in our tradition because we believe that it is a means by which we join in carrying forward God's creative activity.