'Half the world deserves a whole voice'
by Claudia Torrey
Reprinted with permission from the Presbyterian Voice of the Synod of Living Waters
A view of the United Nations. Photo by Claudia Torrey The UNIFEM motto reflected in the title aptly captures the essence of the global conference the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (“UNCSW”). It was both an honor and a privilege to be selected as a member of the national Presbyterian Women’s delegation to the 53rd CSW meeting held in New York City. Seventeen women from across the United States were in the delegation; we were also joined with representatives from the National Network of Presbyterian College Women and representatives from Racial Ethnic Young Women Together. [Read more]
Advocates for women the world over
Presbyterians meet at U.N. on the status of women
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) met in New York on March 2–13. Once again, Presbyterians were there.
For the fourth year, Presbyterian Women participated in the UNCSW. Seventeen individuals from Presbyterian Women joined staff and members of Racial Ethnic Young Women Together and the National Network of Presbyterian College Women at this 53rd annual UNCSW meeting. Presbyterian United Nations Office staff hosted the Presbyterians as they engaged in the UNCSW process.
This year's UNCSW theme is "The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS."
In an article posted by the Presbyterian News Service Louise Davidson, vice-moderator for justice and peace of the PC(USA)’s churchwide coordinating team of Presbyterian Women, stated that the goal for Presbyterian participants “is to become informed advocates for women the world over.”
Sixty Years of Hope
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Human Rights Day, December 10, 2008, marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sixty years ago, men and women gathered for the signing of a document that declared all people have rights — that there is inherent worth and dignity in every human person.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a secular document that shares some of the deepest convictions of our faith. In theological terms, the declaration is rooted in the belief that people everywhere deserve to live the abundant and full life proclaimed by Jesus. As the Rev. Bob Smylie, former Presbyterian Representative to the United Nations notes, Jesus’ “self-described calling included release of the captives, sight for the blind, and liberty for the oppressed. These signaled Jesus’ unique concern for human rights — what is ours by virtue of the fact that we are created as children of God. The phrase ‘human rights’ is not biblical. The biblical message uses the language of justice, freedom, peace and security. These concepts are woven into the biblical fabric: the historical narratives, the books of the law, the prophetic teachings, wisdom in proverbs and the psalms, Jesus knew them as vital requirements for human fulfillment. They resonate throughout Jesus’ teachings, the writings of the disciples and in Revelation.”
During Advent, we join the world in longing for the day the promise of abundant, full life for all will be realized and in working in Christ’s name for that day. Worship resources are available for Human Rights Day.
Rights of passage: United
Nations General Assembly adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on
Thursday, September 13. This milestone acknowledges respect for indigenous communities
that have been marginalized, discriminated against, and oppressed throughout
history and in our present reality. Read more about the Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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