Guiding Principles

Respect for human dignity
Promotion of integral human development at all levels of church and society
Respect for life and all creation
Renewal and contextualization of scripture and CST as they relate to African values and experience
Vigilance to the signs of the times
Openness to dialogue and partnership with others working in the field of CST and development
Recognition of the vital role of peace and reconciliation to our mission
Keen ethical sense, public conscience and commitment.

Inculturate the African Voice in CST
Twice annually AFCAST coordinates a workshop in a host country in East or Southern African to facilitate dialogue on an overarching social reality in Africa in light of CST. Recent workshops include: Prophetic Witness in Africa; Constitution-making and Human dignity; Women and violence; Good governance; and integrity of creation. We also facilitate local research and evaluate current and past theories and activities of CST in Africa

DOCUMENT, produce and distribute CST MATERIALS
AFCAST archives and shares materials on CST via our website, newsletter and documentation center located in the Arrupe Jesuit University Library. We publish booklets and popular education materials on CST, while encouraging the republication, translation and simplification of the socials teachings. We also create materials, guidelines and syllabi for teaching and popularizing CST in the African context.

INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY
AFCAST links with bishops’ conferences, church organizations, lobby and advocate groups, institutions and regional bodies to influence economic, political and social policies from the perspective of the social teaching.