December 10, 2004

GENEVA - As International Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide today, the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko calls for a re-examination of the churchesí role in the teaching and promotion of human rights.

In a statement issued today, Noko points out that hard-won human rights guarantees are being questioned and challenged again in the name of national security and the ëwar against terrorismí. He asks churches to resume their historic support for the legal protection of human dignity.

In the context of Advent, the LWF General Secretary calls for recommitment to act in solidarity with victims of oppression, as this day is a reminder of the "continued conflict and division in our world and its brutal contrast to the peace and reconciliation that Christ came to bring."

International Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations General Assemblyís adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

The full statement of LWF the General Secretary follows:

Statement of the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation
on International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day, observed on December 10 each year, is an occasion for reflection on how many people around the world continue to be denied their rights and fundamental freedoms ñ the rights and freedoms that respect the image of God in every human being, and that are enshrined in international law. In the midst of our joyful Advent journey towards the great celebration of Christmas, International Human Rights Day reminds us of the continued conflict and division in our world and its brutal contrast to the peace and reconciliation that Christ came to bring.

At this moment in history many hard-won human rights guarantees are once again being questioned and challenged, in the name of national security and the ëwar against terrorismí. Churches must remember and resume their historic support for the principles of human rights and for the legal protections of human dignity.

On this day, let us pray for all those who suffer human injustice, and re-commit ourselves to act in solidarity with the victims of oppression. Let us re-examine the role of our churches, including in the teaching of human rights as well as in their promotion. And let us overcome our reticence to be prophets in the struggle for justice and human rights.

Geneva 10 December 2004

Lutheran World Information