All of creation is ruled by its creator and preserver: the Lord our God. All legitimate authority on earth is derived from this reality, and for this reason St. Paul teaches us to “Let every person be subject to governing authorities” (Rom 13:1). The authority of human government must respect its source by exercising its authority within the moral order to promote the common good of all. To promote the common good of all, the state must be limited, respecting and promoting each person’s freedom and sense of responsibility.
God delegates his authority not only to the state but to human persons, families, churches and institutions of civil society. The state’s authority is legitimate only when it is exercised responsibly according to the principle of subsidiarity, allowing all to contribute to the common good through their various gifts, duties and vocations.
It is this broad understanding of the common good, rooted in God’s moral order, that Acton has sought to promote for nearly thirty years, advancing a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles. In this issue you will find a story outlining, Acton’s thirty-year history defending the free market.
You will also learn a little about Amanda Oetting: her life, gifts and vocation at Acton. Lastly, there is an explanation of the recent update to Acton’s website, which makes more accessible some of the thirty years’ worth of resources and scholarship.
The Acton Institute could not explore these vital questions of what constitutes the common good and equip leaders in all realms of life with the tools necessary to bring about a free and virtuous society without the generous support of our donors. Thank you! If you are just learning about Acton, be sure to check out our newly redesigned website, and please prayerfully consider supporting us in our mission.
