Article May 30, 1994 Issue

Prayer that liberates the captive—and the captor

Rosalie E. Dunbar

For the first time in twenty-five years, a broad cross section of global leaders and representatives met last June in Vienna as part of a World Conference on Human Right held under the aegis of the United Nations. While there has been progress in many countries, UN statistics indicate that at least half of the world's population suffers some violation of what the UN considers basic rights. Among the more serious of these violations are torture, execution, rape, arbitrary detention, violence, and "disappearances."

For many people, these statistics and others that were discussed at the conference are the basis for aggressive and steady political action. Such steps are a legitimate part of the work to obtain justice around the globe. Prayer can support such efforts while uncovering and helping to eliminate the evil conditions that lead to such abuses. It does this by leading humanity to a higher understanding of God and of man's relationship to Him.

This relationship was best articulated and lived by Christ Jesus. Through his life and healing works he proved that man is in fact the spiritual idea of God and is inseparable from his divine creator. Certainly the Master's resurrection showed God's power to liberate us and our fellow beings even when our highest ideals have been entombed and when all hope seems lost.

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