Pastor Kurt Thomas, Senior Pastor
I want to bring to the attention of our church family an important international observance recently shared with us by Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, a valued member of our APPLE CREEK SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH family.
The United Nations General Assembly, through its resolution concerning the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, proclaimed July 25 as a day to recognize the history, experiences, struggles, achievements, and significant contributions of women and girls of African descent throughout the world.
Why Is This Day Important?
The United Nations resolution is grounded in a broader commitment to the dignity and human rights of all people. It draws attention particularly to the intersection of racial and gender discrimination experienced by women and girls of African descent.
The resolution recognizes their significant contribution to the development of societies and emphasizes the importance of their full, equal, and meaningful participation and decision-making in all aspects of society.
July 25 therefore serves as more than a commemorative date. It provides an opportunity to remember the global struggle against slavery and racism, reaffirm the importance of gender equality, recognize the contributions of women and girls of African descent, and encourage continued action against racial and gender-based discrimination.
Recognition, Justice and Development
This initiative builds upon the United Nations’ previous International Decade for People of African Descent, which carried the theme:
“People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”
These three words remain powerful.
Recognition calls us to acknowledge the history, accomplishments, culture, leadership, sacrifices, and contributions of people of African descent.
Justice challenges societies to confront discrimination, inequality, racism, and violence wherever they exist.
Development reminds us of the importance of ensuring that people have meaningful opportunities to participate, contribute, lead, and flourish.
The resolution therefore encourages governments, organizations, churches, civil society, educational institutions, media, and communities to promote activities that highlight the history, culture, struggles, and contributions of women and girls of African descent around the world.
A Christian Perspective
For us as Christians, the conversation about human dignity has an even deeper foundation.
The Bible declares:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” — Genesis 1:27
Before nationality, ethnicity, social position, education, or economic status, every human being bears the image of our Creator.
Scripture therefore calls God’s people to reject prejudice and partiality and to uphold justice, compassion, dignity, and love.
The prophet Micah asks:
“What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we should never be afraid to learn about the experiences of others, stand against discrimination, affirm human dignity, and recognize the contributions of those whose service has strengthened our communities.
Celebrating One of Our Own
This observance has an especially meaningful connection to our Apple Creek family.
I am delighted to congratulate Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire on the distinguished honour of serving as the keynote speaker for Canada’s inaugural celebration in New Brunswick.
Chief Commissioner DeGuire, your Apple Creek family celebrates you!
We are proud to recognize not only this significant opportunity, but also your continued public service and leadership. Your responsibilities as Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission provide an important platform through which issues of human dignity, equality, fairness, and human rights can be addressed within our province.
It is particularly meaningful for us to know that someone from within our own church family is contributing her knowledge, experience, and voice to such an important national conversation.
We pray that God will continue to grant you wisdom, courage, humility, strength, and grace as you serve.
Apple Creek, Let Us Be Informed
The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent gives us an opportunity not simply to observe a date on the calendar, but to learn, reflect, and become more aware.
Let us celebrate the women and girls of African descent within our congregation, our community, Canada, and around the world. Let us recognize their faith, leadership, resilience, achievements, sacrifices, and contributions.
And as followers of Jesus Christ, may we continue building a church community where every person is treated with dignity, where prejudice finds no home, where justice and mercy walk together, and where the love of Christ is demonstrated not merely through what we say, but through how we treat one another.
Congratulations again, Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire. Your APPLE CREEK SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH family celebrates this milestone with you and appreciates your continued service to our community, province, and country.
May we all continue to use the places where God has positioned us to make a positive difference in the lives of others.