Author: Emily Davila

Emily Davila is a freelance writer and consultant based in Bonn, Germany. She formerly served as Assistant Director of the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations.

Human Trafficking: Flourishing in the Shadows, Demanding Our Attention

[1] As part of its exhibit to raise awareness about human trafficking at the 2009 Youth Gathering in New Orleans, the ELCA’s program unit for Church and Society rented a U-Haul Van and opened its back doors. Youth groups were invited to jump in and read the stories of people affected such as Miya, a […]

A Human Rights-Based Approach to Advocacy: the Role of the Church

[1] Churches have a history of participating and leading advocacy campaigns – for instance the “Decade to Overcome Violence” led by the World Council of Churches, or as member of coalitions, like “Save Darfur”. While the themes of the campaigns vary, from environmental justice, gender equality or ending poverty and hunger, they all have something […]

A Report on the Outcomes of the Consultation: The Churches and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Marking 60 Years and Enhancing the Future

[1] This consultation was organized by the Inter-unit Task Force for the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, and took place October 30-31, 2008 in Chicago, IL. The goal of the meeting was to observe the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Right, and spur a deepening and broadening of the […]