Q: What objectives does YMCA seek to fulfill in its activities?
A: The Association is working for peace because no development of society is possible without peace. Science has registered remarkable progress, but there is no peace in families, societies and nations of the world. Conflicts abound between races, nations and ethnic entities. The main cause is the absence of justice in all human transactions. All our programs emphasise the importance of justice. If there is justice in society, there is bound to be peace and development will follow. The value of justice should be inculcated in the hearts of the people.
When Christians pray ‘Thy kingdom come!’ this is actually a call for action as they are pleading for a society on earth wherein justice and righteousness prevail. All the Kingdom values such as truth, love and compassion are to prevail in society benefiting all its members. Also when the Lord commanded His disciples to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, He was emphasizing the importance of promoting justice for all.
Q: Can you explain the origins of the movement?
A: The movement was started by a few Christian young men in England in June 6, 1844 in response to the felt needs of the community in those times. The ushering in of the industrial revolution had caused ruptures in the social fabric and the exodus of population from the rural to the urban areas had given rise to several unprecedented human miseries and problems. The living conditions in the new habitations were miserable and the uprooted people had difficulty coping up with the changes.
It was a few young Christian men, in a spirit of prayer, who formed the association, under the leadership of George Williams, to meet the needs with guidance from God. We are continuing in the same spirit today, seeking God’s guidance in meeting the needs of our times. YMCA is a response-based movement that started with a spirit of prayer and message of love and compassion – a movement that is continuing even today, spreading over 180 nations comprising of over 40 million members. The World Alliance of YMCA that comprise of Constituent Members and Associates like the regional YMCA alliances is situated in Geneva and though each regional unit may have its own constitution or mission statement that is formed in response to the needs of the region, yet, they are all framed, based on the ongoing foundation statement of the mission of YMCA called the ‘Paris Basis’ adopted in 1855.
Q: Christian activities are these days looked upon with suspicion as a result of the communalisation of our society and also because of the false propaganda concerning conversions. Does the YMCA face any difficulty on this count?
