“A person’s faith is central to how they conduct themselves, in public and in private," Ryan told the Christian Broadcasting Network, according to Politico. "So to me, using my Catholic faith, we call it the social magisterium, which is: How do you apply the doctrine of your teaching into your everyday life as a lay person?”
He specifically cited Church teaching on the principle of subsidiarity, which believes that decisions are best made at the local level whenever possible, as having guided his thinking on the budget plan.
“To me, the principle of subsidiarity, which is really federalism, meaning government closest to the people governs best, having a civil society … where we, through our civic organizations, through our churches, through our charities, through all of our different groups where we interact with people as a community, that’s how we advance the common good,” Ryan said.
He also drew on Catholic teachings regarding concern for the poor, and his interpretation of how that translated into government policy.
“[T]he preferential option for the poor, which is one of the primary tenants of Catholic social teaching, means don’t keep people poor, don’t make people dependent on government so that they stay stuck at their station in life, help people get out of poverty out onto life of independence,” said Ryan.
Even though Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has not endorsed Ryan's budget plans, he has praised them in the past for their emphasis on fiscal responsibility, the role of the family, the dignity of human life and attention to the poor.
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