The Baptist World Alliance presented the 2026 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award to Daniel Zacharias of Canada in recognition of his faithful leadership advancing truth, reconciliation and justice with Indigenous peoples. The presentation was held during Tuesday’s (July 7) Global Council Session at the 2026 Annual Gathering.
Established in 2006, the Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award recognizes a Baptist leader who has taken significant and effective action to secure, protect, restore, or preserve human rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally recognized human rights principles.
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Longtime Canadian Baptist leader and former BWA Vice President Harry Gardner nominated Zacharias for the award, highlighting the remarkable combination of character and conviction that has defined his ministry. “With gentleness, passion and deep conviction arising from his discipleship to Jesus and his own heritage, his significant contribution is widely respected and valued,” Gardner said.
As associate dean and professor of New Testament Studies at Acadia Divinity College, Zacharias has become a leading Baptist voice helping churches engage the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Through his scholarship, teaching and denominational leadership, he has equipped congregations to confront the legacy of residential schools, deepen relationships with Indigenous communities, and pursue reconciliation as an expression of the Gospel.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Baptist World Alliance.
