Video Transcript
Emily: One person’s actions can have massive global consequences. But this isn’t only true for the presidents, kings, and queens of countries. In fact, oftentimes we hear about agreements between countries, and it’s not the monarchs or presidents themselves who are involved…it’s their ambassadors.
Ambassadors act in the name of the person or organization they represent. This means they carry the authority and responsibility of that entity, and can even act on behalf of them.
For example, the Treaty of Paris (which ended the American Revolutionary War) wasn’t actually signed by George Washington and King George III. Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams negotiated on behalf of the United States, while British representatives acted for the King.
When Colombia was seeking independence from Spain in the 19th century, José Manuel Restrepo represented his country in the negotiations and sought alliances with other nations to strengthen the new country.
Ambassadors from all over the world are appointed by their respective heads of state to speak and work on their behalf during meetings of the United Nations.
And this occupation has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient civilization. In ancient times, envoys or emissaries acted as representatives of rulers or states in places like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These early ambassadors were tasked with negotiating alliances, treaties, and trade agreements.
Anytime you’ve heard or said something like “Stop! In the name of love.” or in the name of something else, you’re referencing ambassadors. The phrase likely originates from legal and religious contexts. In medieval times, officials would perform acts “in the name of” a monarch or religious figure, signifying they were carrying out the duties under that authority.
Later, the term “ambassador” began to take shape in the Middle Ages, with the rise of nation-states. The word ultimately derives from the Latin verb ambactiare, meaning “to go on a mission” or “to act as a servant or representative.”
Ambassadors were often noblemen appointed by monarchs to represent their interests at foreign courts. Over the years this role became more formalized, focusing on diplomacy and statecraft.
During the Renaissance, the role became even more established and permanent in many countries with regular international relations. The best ambassadors started becoming skilled professionals.
Today, ambassadors are official envoys—typically appointed by a country’s government—to represent their nation in foreign affairs. It’s hard to say, but the number of people worldwide acting as ambassadors today is probably in the thousands. Even the Vatican—which is recognized as a sovereign entity—has diplomatic relations with countries around the world.
Ambassadors are sent to foreign countries to foster understanding, negotiations, and communication between two countries. Because of this, ambassadors become a bridge of cultures, vital in peacekeeping, and work hard to build confidentiality and trust.
But they are also often seen as a living embodiment of their home country. Their words, behavior, and decisions reflect not just upon the country they’re from, but the leader they represent.
In a way, we’re all ambassadors. Think about the different groups or people you represent with your actions each day.
And this idea is especially important for Christians. St. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth: “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Christians are called to live as representatives of Christ in the world.
So who do you act “in the name” of? And what do your actions say about those you represent?
