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The Right to Life »
Protection of life in all its stages, from the first moment of conception until natural death
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Sanctity of Marriage »
Recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family – as a union between a man and a woman based on marriage
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Parental Rights »
The protection of the right of parents to educate their children
These principles are not truths of faith, even though they receive further light and confirmation from faith; they are inscribed in human nature itself and therefore they are common to all humanity.
The Church’s action in promoting them is therefore not confessional in character, but is addressed to all people, prescinding from any religious affiliation they may have.
On the contrary, such action is all the more necessary the more these principles are denied or misunderstood, because this constitutes an offence against the truth of the human person, a grave wound inflicted onto justice itself.
Negotiable principles
“No one can claim to speak ‘officially’ in the name of the entire lay faithful, or of all Catholics, in matters freely open to discussion. On the other hand, all Catholics, and indeed all men and women, are called to act with purified consciences and generous hearts in resolutely promoting those values which I have often referred to as ‘non-negotiable’” stated Pope Benedict XVI.
What are some negotiable principles?
“There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.” stated Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.