Minute for Mission: Human Rights Day

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:28

Seventy-six years ago today, the United Nations officially adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a monumental document enshrining the rights and freedoms of all human beings. The declaration contains 30 articles, each one detailing a different fundamental right and freedom that all people are entitled to, simply for being human. Article 1 summarizes the content and sentiment of the document stating, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

The charter was a beacon of hope in the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II and in a world shattered by political divisions, genocide and war. However, while the adoption of the charter brought a lot of hope, we have failed in many ways to equitably implement its promises. Just a quick glance at the morning news will show you that human rights and human dignity are not being respected in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, the U.S.-Mexico border and countless other places across the globe. In all these places, we also see that the rights of women, children, Indigenous people, LGBTQ people and low-income people are especially vulnerable.

Despite the secular nature of the United Nations and language of the Human Rights Charter, respect for human rights and dignity is also a profoundly Christian call. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul reminds us that one's worth is not determined by their race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status. Rather, we are all created in equal worth and dignity through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we must receive Paul’s words as not a mere platitude, but as a call to action. Paul’s words must convict us to continue to fight for human rights for all people, recognizing that each and every human was created equal in dignity and worth.

Clare Balsan, Advocacy Associate, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations

Let us pray:

We come to you today in lament for your many children across the world whose rights and dignity are not respected. We mourn for those whose lives have been taken or destroyed by injustice and oppression. Lord, light a fire of holy anger inside of us. Help us fight for justice, peace and equality knowing that through Christ, every human on this planet is our sibling. Give us strength and wisdom, as we strive to make this broken Earth resemble your kingdom. In your name we pray. Amen.