Human Rights: A Statement of Concern

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BWA General Council Resolution 1983.4

Baptist people numbering more than 34 million from all over the world have long stood for the right of all people to be free and independent and have worked to encourage governments everywhere to respect human rights. As Christians we believe that human rights are God-given and that violations of human rights are violations of the laws of God. We have expressed deep concern in previous years about human rights violations in all parts of the world, from blatant racial discrimination and restrictions on religious freedom to military and economic oppression.

As we meet with this concern for the human rights of all people, we come with special concern for the growing evidence of tragic violations of human rights in today’s world, including Central and South America. The forces of subversion and repression are responsible for the kidnapping, torture and illegal detention, including the displacement or death of more than a million people from their homes and families. We urge all parties to this subversion and repression to move from the battlefields to the negotiation tables, to seek sincerely to achieve peace with justice and to bring an end to these violations of human rights.

As we meet and enjoy the hospitality of the Republic of Argentina and its people, we support the commitment of the Argentine Government to hold elections on October 31 and to move to the establishment of civil government. We are aware of the desire of the Argentine people to achieve stable self-government with freedom and respect for human rights and congratulate them on this bright prospect. We especially appreciate the openness of Argentina in receiving Baptist World Alliance delegates from all member nations.

Citations

Original Source Bibliography: Claas, Gerhard, editor. Baptist World Alliance 1983 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory. Washington, DC: Baptist World Alliance, 1983.

Original Source Footnote/Endnote: Gerhard Claas, ed., Baptist World Alliance 1983 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory (Washington, DC: Baptist World Alliance, 1983), p. 63.

Online Document Full Citation: BWA General Council Resolution 1983.4 Human Rights: A Statement of Concern; https://o7e.4a3.myftpupload.com/resolutions.

In-text Online Document Citation: (BWA General Council Resolution 1983.4).

For more information about Baptist World Alliance resolutions, visit BaptistWorld.org/resolutions.
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Since its formation in 1905, the Baptist World Alliance has networked the global Baptist family to impact the world for Christ with a commitment to strengthen worship, fellowship and unity; lead in mission and evangelism; respond to people in need through aid, relief, and community development; defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice; and advance theological reflection and leadership development.

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