December 10, 2017

Today, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 69.  This declaration outlines basic civil, political, cultural and economic rights to which all people are entitled. Though not a binding document, the declaration has provided a platform for the creation of over 60 human rights measures. These laws have helped protect many people, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the protection of all people’s human rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that universal human rights begin “in small places, close to home. … Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” 

One place close to home that supports human rights is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). PC(USA) General Assembly policies and stances advocate for the protection of human rights and oppose activities that violate those rights, such as human trafficking. 

Contact the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations to get connected to the PC(USA)’s efforts to support the human rights of our brothers and sisters around the world.

Simon Doong, Young Adult Volunteer at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations

Today’s Focus:  Human Rights Day

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Philip Woods, PMA
Deb Worland, PMA

Let us pray:

Dear God, help us to have the courage to stand up and protect the rights of our brothers and sisters, for we are all your children, made in your image, with the same hearts, wishes and rights. We lift up those who are oppressed, and we stand in solidarity with them. We pray for a world where all are treated equally and where we can answer the calling you have for each of us. Amen.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 10, 2017, the Second Sunday of Advent (Year B)

First Reading Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Gospel Mark 1:1-8