Areas of work
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations represents the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the United Nations. Staff members help inspire, equip and connect Presbyterians for ministry as faithful disciples of Jesus in the global community. The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations helps Presbyterians witness to the nations of the world, in the name of Jesus Christ, based on the policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assemblies to the United Nations. Through the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, the church responds to Christ’s call to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and to let the oppressed go free. The church lives out the reality that “God sends the church in the power of the Holy Spirit to share with Christ in establishing God's just, peaceable and loving rule in the world." (Book of Order, G-3.0300)
Sixty Years of Hope
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Human Rights Day, December 10, 2008, marked 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, 2007. 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.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- PC(USA) Native American Congregational Support