Montesinos' Legacy: Defining and Defending Human Rights for Five Hundred Years - Hardcover

These proceedings constitute a truly extraordinary collection of essays on the legacy of Antonio de Montesinos's sermon of 1511, arguably the most significant sermon in the history of the Americas. There is something for everyone here, from theologians to lawyers, priests and pastors, human rights activists, and all those devoted to the timeless theme of justice in its many manifestations. -- Lawrence Clayton, University of Alabama In this book, nineteen experts on human rights from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines provide a compelling contemporary perspective on the state of global rights-a most fitting tribute to Antonio de Montesinos. -- Andrew Strauss, Widener University School of Law

Montesinos' Legacy brings scholars together in honor of the 500th anniversary of Dominican Antonio de Montesinos' famous sermon in defense of the rights of the indigenous Amerindians. The collection addresses the historical context for this sermon, but also the continued relevance of Montesinos today. Montesinos' Legacy examines the origins of human rights concepts in the West, the rights of indigenous peoples, the role of the Church in human rights, and human rights in Latin America.