Principle of subsidiarity essential to productive governance

by Vince Cascone

In my role as the superintendent of schools, I am often in conversations regarding decisions being made at the local level (in the parish and school) versus being made at the archdiocesan level.

These conversations focus on the principle of subsidiarity versus solidarity. Subsidiarity is the principle, formulated by the Catholic Church, that matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest or least centralized competent authority rather than by a higher and more distant one, whenever possible.

In general terms, it can be said that individuals at the local level are better suited to make decisions than those who are more distant from the circumstances at hand. In terms of institutions, a more decentralized system is more effective and efficient.

While this is certainly true, there is a more profound reason why this principle is so important. It is modeled off of each individual being created in the image of God and the free will through which God blesses us.

The Holy Family School of Faith breaks this down to say: “The principle of subsidiarity stresses the responsibility and role of individuals and small groups. It recognizes that every person is unique, that every person has a distinct intellect and will. It recognizes that it is the individual who takes initiative and responsibility and creates. Subsidiarity comes from the Latin for ‘help.’”  The enemy of subsidiarity is micromanaging.

It should be noted that the principle of subsidiarity can and should be utilized well beyond the church or any institution. As a parent, I know how easy it is to want to do things for my children to somehow assure their success or to at least help them to avoid the consequences of their mistakes. But we know effective parenting involves allowing our children to become more and more independent as they get older.

While subsidiarity should be prominent in most situations, there are circumstances when solidarity should be the focus. God created us to be in community with one another and to support each other.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops  puts it this way: “We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.” 

Under the leadership of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, the archdiocese focuses on the principle of subsidiarity. The archdiocesan office of Catholic schools strives to support each of our 42 schools and their presidents, principals, faculty and staff members with the same guiding principles of subsidiarity.

Ultimately, we do this because subsidiarity, as Pope Benedict XVI stated, “fosters freedom and participation through assumption of responsibility. Subsidiarity respects personal dignity.”