World

Chile decorates former leader of world church body

The Rev Dr Emilio Castro, former general secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC) from Uruguay, has this week been decorated by the government of the Republic of Chile.

The honour recognises Castro’s contribution to the defense of human rights in this South American country during the 1980s.

Castro was awarded with the Orden de Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's highest commendation for foreigners by the Chilean representative to the international organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Carlos Portales, according to the WCC.

The award was established in 1956 and named after Bernardo O'Higgins, a central figure of Chile's fight for independence in the 19th century and its first president.

The Order of Bernardo O'Higgins is an honour usually conferred by the President of Chile on foreign citizens for their outstanding contribution in the field of arts, education, industry, commerce or humanitarian and social cooperation.

Dr Castro, a Methodist pastor from Uruguay, was WCC general secretary between 1984 and 1992.

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