News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UN70-main_article_image.png
Twitter
World News

Christians pray for the UN on 70th anniversary

by Hannah Tooley

The Methodist Central Hall in London is joining the celebrations looking back at 70 years of the global peace body.

Tony Miles, from Methodist Central Hall told Premier the UN is one way the world's trying to be better: "We need a body that will work for hope, cooperation, security, peace and international development."

Methodist Central Hall is being bathed in blue light, alongside a number of other buildings, bridges and landmarks across the world.

Mr Miles said Christians need to recognise the good the UN does: "We also need to be praying and actually playing our part in amongst that process to actually try and make things better for the world - and the United Nations is part of our way of doing that - holding onto hope."
 
Methodist Central Hall Westminster has a special significance in the history of the UN having hosted the first ever meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946.

 Tony Miles said this building brought leaders to "come together and try to rebuild peace after the war, for us it's very important that it happened here in this building.

"For us it's really important and we want to be behind it, I think those 51 nations have now become 159 nations."

Despite its failings Mr Miles says Christians need to stand by its causes: "We have to remember the huge task the United Nations has, and we have to think about what the world would be like without it.

"There needs to be criticism of some of the problems that the United Nations faces, and that sometimes people say that it hasn't done enough, but without it I think the world would be a very hopeless place."

Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, Superintendent of Central Hall said: "It was entirely fitting that a body devoted to fostering and facilitating international cooperation should have begun its life in a place dedicated to the service of God.

"Almost 70 years on, we are delighted to join with other buildings across the world to celebrate the vast achievements of the United Nations in such a visible and dramatic way.

"We express our heartfelt thanks to the UN for all that has been achieved and join people throughout the world in prayer for the UN's current and future work and role."

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Revd Tony Miles here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate