Because of my background as an archivist, it is understandable that I am drawn to documents and the belief that words on paper (or clay tablets, papyrus, or animal skins) can and do have enduring value. A classic example is the Magna Carta. Within several months this remarkable document will be 800 years old.

This Great Charter of English liberties was first issued by King John at Runnymede (south of London) on June 15, 1215. In effect, it represents a treaty of peace imposed upon John by barons who rebelled against him because of oppressive tax assessments, ruthless and arbitrary collection enforcement, and a lack of redress for wrongs suffered. The Magna Carta is regarded by the English, and by all who have adopted English law, as the chief constitutional defense against arbitrary or unjust rule.

The most famous clauses of the document serve as the basis for such fundamental rights as trial by jury, Habeas Corpus, equality before the law, and freedom from arbitrary arrest. Many of the rights specified in the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution (The Bill of Rights), ratified in 1791, were first enumerated in the Magna Carta.

Another “descendent” is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations in December 1948. Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the principal architects, described it as a modern Magna Carta.

The preamble states that “recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”

From its collection of 30 articles have followed more than 20 international conventions, including the Convention Against Torture (1984), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), and the Mine Ban treaty (1997).

The values of the Declaration guide the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Founded in 1940 to provide humanitarian assistance to Nazi dissidents and refugees, the UUSC is an independent human-rights organization dedicated to UDHR and UU principles which uphold the worth and dignity of all people. The UUSC proclaims “that the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice, and that it is bent by the courageous and patient efforts of men and women around the world who daily confront unjust power structures and challenge oppressive policies.”

The UUSC has published a small pamphlet containing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I am always inspired when I read the rights enumerated in the document. It is a reminder of the very high ideals to which we subscribe as UUs, and also of the gap between what is and what should be. I hope someday all members of the human family will embrace and honor basic human rights. Although this goal is daunting, I try to make a difference each day through small acts here in Western North Carolina.

Believe in Peace,
Be Peace,
Create Peace,

Chuck Elston