Although the United Nations has long run on secular lines, the input of faith communities is necessary, says Seventh-day Adventist Church representative to the United Nations (UN) Dr. Jonathan Gallagher. 

Noting that churches need to take the initiative and become involved at the United Nations, he also said, “We need to make such gatherings more faith-friendly so that we can engage the membership of these large religious communities around the world.” He added that frequently religious groups did not seem to be attracted to the current UN agenda.

Gallagher was speaking on Nov. 2 at a forum planning the largest public gathering at the UN in New York—the annual Department of Public Information/Nongovernmental Organizations’ conference that brings together thousands of civil society representatives.

“While not wanting to turn the United Nations into a ‘religion-fest’ we do need to be aware of the values and principles that religious people bring to the table,” Gallagher said. “By clearly welcoming people of faith to UN meetings such as this conference, we can do much to ensure that there is more engagement, and so ensure that vital humanitarian and societal goals are achieved. For example, many religious groups are engaged in providing better healthcare and reducing poverty, yet they are often conspicuous by their absence from some UN gatherings. They need to be part of whatever agenda is being established.”

UN officials agree that in the past religion has not played a major part in agendas and planning, but Gallagher said recently some greater emphasis is evident regarding the contribution made by faith communities.

“Recognizing the social contributions of religious believers is essential. People of faith have much to contribute to the wellbeing of this world, and their participation can make a real difference to the lives of so many,” Gallagher concluded.

Apart from traditional issues of religious freedom, in the last decade Adventists have also addressed other topics on the agenda of the United Nations and other international bodies. Those issues include protection of the environment, combating HIV and AIDS, women’s issues, human trafficking and poverty.

“The Millennium Development Goals are perhaps the most comprehensive platform where the voice of religious communities could be heard with much greater intensity,” says Rajmund Dabrowski, communication director for the Adventist world church.

Understanding the vital role of faith communities in alleviating human suffering, last year a group of Christian churches, including Adventists, pledged intentional partnership in combating poverty, malaria, gender inequality, HIV and AIDS and other urgent issues facing humanity. [See ANN Sept. 14]. This commitment was reflected in a letter titled, “A Call to Partnership,” which was presented to United Nations officials in New York on Sept. 13, 2005 the eve of the world body’s 60th anniversary.

“The UN and other international forums offer to Christian churches a platform of practical involvement of what affects all people irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and background,” said Dabrowski. “There is much more we can do and as Christians we can make a unique contribution.”