Folia Theologica 19. (2008)
Hámori Antal: Human dignity in church Teaching
HUMAN DIGNITY IN CHURCH TEACHING 53 med by the sacrifice of Christ, all are called to participate in the same divine beatitude: all therefore enjoy an equal dignity.68 The equality of men rests essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it: „Every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God's design."69.70 „In virtue of their rebirth in Christ there exists among all the Christian faithful a true equality with regard to dignity and the activity whereby all cooperate in the building up of the Body of Christ in accord with each one's own condition and function."71 The very differences which the Lord has willed to put between the members of his body serve its unity and mission. For „in the Church there is diversity of ministry but unity of mission. To the apostles and their successors Christ has entrusted the office of teaching, sanctifying and governing in his name and by his power. But the laity are made to share in the priestly, prophetical, and kingly office of Christ; they have therefore, in the Church and in the world, their own assignment in the mission of the whole People of God."72 Finally, „from both groups (hierarchy and laity) there exist Christian faithful who are consecrated to God in their own special manner and serve the salvific mission of the Church through the profession of the evangelical counsels"73.74 On coming into the world, man is not equipped with everything he needs for developing his bodily and spiritual life. He needs others. Differences appear tied to age, physical abilities, intellectual or moral aptitudes, the benefits derived from social commerce, and the distribution of wealth.75 The „talents" are not distributed equally.76 These differences belong to God's plan, who wills that each receive what he needs from others, and that those endowed with particular „talents" share the benefits with those who need them. These diffe68 CCC 1934. 69 GS 29. 70 CCC 1935; 1945. 71 CIC, can. 208; cf. CCC 872, 1943; LG 32. See CIC, can. 204 § 1; cf. LG 31. 72 Apostolicam aduositatem 2. 73 Cf. CIC, can. 207 § 2. 74 CCC 873. 75 Cf. GS 29. 76 CCC 1936. Cf. Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:11-27.
