December 10 was designated as Human Rights Day by the United Nations in 1950. This date commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. In the wake of World War II it was determined that the nations of the world needed to agree on a universal standard of human rights.
The first few articles of the Declaration set forth the tone of the document:
Article 1.
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.Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
How perfect that this was the day to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, a great champion of human rights.
Some of us participated in an interfaith dialogue event this evening here in St. Petersburg: Tell Me About the Muslim Faith. Nine people from Lakewood UCC were present. We heard a presentation about Islam and then engaged in dialogue about our faiths in diverse groups over dinner. It was a very enlightening evening.
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Given that affirmation of religious freedom and respect, the interfaith event at the Enoch Davis Center was also a fitting way to mark Human Rights Day.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not stop with matters of conscience, but also addresses very practical concerns. Article 25 states:
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
Here we still need to do a lot of work. As Christmas approaches and we prepare to celebrate the birth of one who truly honored and defended the human rights of each and every person, this is a time to think about how we are standing up for human rights. And when we look at the scope of the Declaration, we realize that we have opportunities to work for human rights right here in our own community.
People will sit under their own vines and fig trees with no one to make them afraid.
The mouth of Yahweh Omnipotent has spoken.
Micah 4:4
Prayer: In this season we prepare to celebrate the birth of one who embodied respect for the human rights of each and every person. Jesus shows us how to live out the universal love of God. He teaches us to love beyond the divisions and prejudices that we learn consciously and unconsciously. May we honor Jesus by extending human rights to all persons. Amen.
To read the entire Universal Declaration of Human Rights, follow the link below:
Lakewood United Church of Christ 