The human rights of all persons were never more eloquently phrased than in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt led the diplomatic team that presented it to the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948. Each year on December 10th, that historic moment is remembered at the UN. Numerous UN treaties and a vast body of international humanitarian laws have emerged in response to the Declaration. This Church Women United Human Rights Celebration is intended to provide the opportunity to celebrate that Declaration at ANY time of the year.

The Human Rights Celebration is an annual event that unites women and men of ALL faiths in a common worship experience held to honor individuals who have worked in the cause of Human Rights. The theme of this year’s Human Rights Celebration is “Living the Challenge: Differently Enabled, Uniquely Called,” with an emphasis on health and economic justice for those individuals who are faced with inadequate policies and support programs. This celebration is a time to honor a person(s) who are differently enabled, uniquely called or person(s) who advocate on behalf of the disabled.

Paula Lapeyrouse of Terrebone Parish, Louisiana created the logo, featuring hands reaching out to one another. Paula, a member of TARC, (Terrebone Association for Retarded Citizens) is an example of an individual who is differently enabled and uniquely gifted.

Joan Brown and Cathy Smith have written this Celebration, dedicating it to Joan’s cousin, Thomasine Hill who is one of God’s Uniquely Called, and in memory of Cathy’s mother, Jean G. Curry, who was a poet, and in a wheelchair for over forty years.