Abstract:
The World Council of Churches (WCC) embraces a language of human rights
since its foundation. In 1948, WCC, through its Commission of the Churches on
International Affairs, contributed with aspects about freedom of religion on the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, this being instrumental to formulate its 18th Article which
evolved into a pivotal cornerstone advocating for religious freedom on a global scale.
Nowadays, it is known that through an ecumenical advocacy, WCC has a human rights
programme that supports engagement of member churches and partners in reporting
mechanisms of the UN human rights system, while emphasising the importance of
protecting human dignity through diaconal practices. However, despite these efforts, as
stated by a WCC Statement on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued in
2008, the council acknowledges a gap between rhetoric and action, noting progress in
normative aspects, yet underscoring the shortfall in translating promises into effective
actions. Thus, this paper seeks to understand how WCC sides with human rights
grammar through its adoption of concepts presented in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, outlining the introduction of a practical diaconal language at the 2013
10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, Republic of Korea. During
this assembly, discussions focused on the WCC’s plans, theological reflections and
issues to achieve just peace. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis, this paper examines
the assembly’s development of a diaconal language, intertwining it with the ecumenical
movement. It also delves into theoretical perspectives, discursive practices, and diaconal
activities, portraying the commitment of WCC member churches to further human
rights efforts for just peace, especially considering the Asian context.
