Resources
Resource library
- LessonLesson 1: What is Christian Democracy?
An introduction to Christian Democracy as a democratic political and social tradition shaped by Christian understandings of the person and society.
- LessonLesson 2: The History of Christian Democracy
How the tradition developed in Europe and Latin America, drawing on Catholic social teaching and Reformed thought.
- LessonLesson 3: Human Dignity
The conviction that every person has inherent worth, which no state, market or majority grants or removes.
- LessonLesson 4: The Common Good
The common good concerns the conditions people need to flourish together. It cannot be reduced to private interests.
- LessonLesson 5: Solidarity
A firm commitment to the good of others, especially the poor, the vulnerable and future generations.
- LessonLesson 6: Subsidiarity
Responsibilities should rest at the most appropriate level closest to people, with larger institutions supporting when needed.
- LessonLesson 7: Responsible Freedom
Freedom understood as the capacity to pursue the good, accompanied by responsibility toward others and creation.
- LessonLesson 8: The Social Market Economy
Combining economic initiative and markets with social responsibility, fair institutions and a safety net.
- LessonLesson 9: Family, Community and Civil Society
Families, congregations, schools, unions and associations stand between the individual and the state. Each has a life and purpose of its own.
- LessonLesson 10: Democracy, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law
Why limited, accountable, constitutional government protects dignity and freedom for all.
- LessonLesson 11: Faith and Public Life
How conviction can inform public life while church and state remain distinct and people of all faiths are welcome.
- LessonLesson 12: Christian Democracy in South Africa
This final lesson brings the course together and asks what Christian democracy can offer South Africa today.
- South Africa topicEmployment and unemployment
South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, especially among young people.
- South Africa topicEconomic development
Growth has been slow and unevenly shared.
- South Africa topicPoverty and inequality
Deep inequality persists across income, assets and opportunity.
- South Africa topicEducation
Outcomes vary sharply between schools and communities.
- South Africa topicLocal government
Many municipalities struggle to deliver basic services.
- South Africa topicFamily and community
Families face pressure from poverty, violence and dislocation.
- South Africa topicCrime and community safety
High levels of violent crime undermine trust and freedom.
- South Africa topicEthical leadership
Public trust in leaders is low.
- South Africa topicCorruption and accountability
State capture and corruption have damaged institutions.
- South Africa topicReligious freedom
Protecting freedom of belief for all in a diverse society.
- South Africa topicCivil society
Community organisations carry heavy loads with limited resources.
- South Africa topicSocial cohesion
Divisions of race, class and place remain.
- South Africa topicHousing and communities
Housing backlogs and spatial legacy shape daily life.
- South Africa topicYouth development
Millions of young people are not in employment, education or training.
- South Africa topicEntrepreneurship
Starting and growing a business is hard, especially in townships and rural areas.