Doing Catholic Social Ethics in Spain Today

Abstract

Spanish Social Ethics are in a historical situation that is determined by a difficult relationship between Church and the Spanish Government. After the end of the Franco Regime, the position of the bishops was critical, because it was important to put distance between church and state. This is the background for this text, which looks at the role of the Catholic Church within Spanish society, the institutions that participate in formulating Catholic Social Ethics and the main social issues that affect the country. The importance of the Church in Spain is defined by the balance of political opinions and her perceived uniformity. Her prophetical voice is dependent on her relationship to and her attitude toward Social Ethics.