The Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand encouraged Catholic business executives to integrate religious values into trade practices and ensure that “actions align with the teachings of Christ.”
At a gala event marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Catholic Business Executives and Professionals (CBEP) last week, Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells emphasized four crucial aspects for Catholic business leaders to address – business ethics, transparency and honesty, proper treatment of employees, and caring for the environment.
“Our catholic businesses should always prioritize ethical practices that respect human dignity, fairness, and justice,” the prelate said.
Archbishop Wells emphasized the significance of moral decision-making rooted in Catholic values and principles, contributing to the betterment of individuals and communities.
He said integrity is fundamental in Catholic business ethics, requiring honesty, truthfulness, and fairness in all dealings.
“Catholic business ethics also call us to embrace the virtue of solidarity. Catholics are defined by the fact that we are in “communion” with our Pope and the rest of the Catholic world,” he said.
The prelate said Catholic business leaders in Thailand are part of a global community and should make decisions with a genuine concern for the well-being of others, particularly the vulnerable.
He said it involves using resources and influence to alleviate poverty, promote social justice, and advocate for the common good.
Archbishop Wells stressed transparency and honesty as “essential pillars” for successful and virtuous businesses.
“By embracing these principles, you build trust with your stakeholders and contribute to a fair and equitable society,” he said.
He also underscored the proper treatment of employees as a critical element in Catholic business practices.
“I cannot emphasize this enough,” he said. “There is nothing that makes a more Catholic impact than the CEO who treats the president of his company and the custodian with same affection and respect.”
The prelate said Catholic faith “teaches us to recognize the inherent dignity of every human person, and as employers, we have a responsibility to respect and care for our employees.”
Caring for the environment is a moral imperative rooted in the Catholic faith, according to the prelate.
He said businesses should actively seek ways to reduce their environmental impact, promote sustainability, and contribute to the well-being of the planet.
He told the executives that their businesses “possess unique platforms through which we can raise awareness” about environmental challenges and encourage others to take action.
In reaction to His Excellency’s message, George Varakorn Techamontrikul, the incoming vice-president of CBEP, said, “it is important for Catholic business leaders to apply these principals into our business practice and set example by action to others to make a better community as a whole and to create an ‘inclusive economy’ where no one is left behind.”
Three decades supporting the Church
CBEP is an active member of The International Christian Union of Business Executives or UNIAPAC. Formerly known as the Catholic Business Executives Group (CBEG), it was founded by Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, the retired prelate of Bangkok.
Dr. Virachai Techavijit, chairman of the organizing committee for the event, described Cardinal Michai as “a very wise man who could see into the future the important role of the lay faithful who could contribute to the quality of church services to society.”
“This vision was later confirmed by the Church over a decade ago by issuing a proclamation, ‘business is a noble vocation’ which has become the strong foundation of our Catholic business undertakings worldwide,” he said.
In his closing speech, Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovitvanit, Archbishop of Bangkok, said Catholic business leaders have a mission to “proclaim the Good News through leading by example and upholding Gospel values during the conduct of your professions”.
He urged Thai Catholic business leaders to come together to create and continuously develop especially in Thailand, a “civilization of love” of Jesus Christ.
