Next, we begin to shift focus from what the Church does to what everyone must do. While the Church plays a central role, she is not acting alone in addressing the condition of the working classes. True reform, he argues, requires cooperation across all parts of society—Church, State, employers, workers, and citizens—each doing their proper part.
He compares this to how providence works in the world: meaningful outcomes don’t come from a single cause, but from many causes working together toward a shared end. So the real question becomes not whether the State should be involved, but what its proper role actually is within this wider cooperation.
31. It cannot, however, be doubted that to attain the purpose we are treating of, not only the Church, but all human agencies, must concur. All who are concerned in the matter should be of one mind and according to their ability act together. It is with this, as with providence that governs the world; the results of causes do not usually take place save where all the causes cooperate. It is sufficient, therefore, to inquire what part the State should play in the work of remedy and relief.
How do we discern which “part” each institution (Church, State, workplace, family) should play? And how do we make sure we are taking responsibility for our own part?
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