403. What is the principle of subsidiarity?
(Comp 403) The principle of subsidiarity
states that a community of a higher order should not assume the task belonging
to a community of a lower order and deprive it of its authority. It should
rather support it in case of need.
“In brief”
(CCC 1894) In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity,
neither the state nor any larger society should substitute itself for the
initiative and responsibility of individuals and intermediary bodies.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1883) Socialization also presents dangers. Excessive
intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative. The
teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "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; cf. Pius
XI, Quadragesimo anno I, 184-186).
(CCC 1885) The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of
collectivism. It sets limits for state intervention. It aims at harmonizing the
relationships between individuals and societies. It tends toward the
establishment of true international order.
Reflection
(CCC 1884) God has not willed to reserve to himself all
exercise of power. He entrusts to every creature the functions it is capable of
performing, according to the capacities of its own nature. This mode of
governance ought to be followed in social life. The way God acts in governing
the world, which bears witness to such great regard for human freedom, should
inspire the wisdom of those who govern human communities. They should behave as
ministers of divine providence.
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