Archbishop of Canterbury calls for UN Reform

At an American fundraising dinner, Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury called for major reforms to the United Nations in the aftermath of the Iraq crisis last year. Williams called for the Security Council to include the voice of non-governmental organisations and religious communities at the fundraising event for the Anglican Observer at the UN.

"In spite of what many think are menacing signs, we are witnessing a period of unprecedented opportunity for the United Nations - which is also a period in which the role of voluntary organisations in relation to the UN is becoming increasingly significant. The importance of our Anglican representation at the UN emerges more clearly than ever at a time when the UN is seeking to recover and to reinforce its moral authority; there is an urgent need for structures and relationships that allow a global moral perspective to be voiced more clearly," said the Archbishop.

Dr Williams said that reforms were needed now to restore the UN's damaged credibility. In his criticism of the Security Council in particular, he said that it seemed to be operated as 'mere brokerage of the interests of individual states'. Williams said that in order for long-term security to be established, the Security Council would have to have more authority, and that this could be able brought about by making resolutions that could be prompted by and executed by local democratic coalitions.

Rev. Dr Rowan Williams also put forward the idea of a standing committee, made up of NGO's and religious communities that could comment on Security Council issues without the need of the power to vote of veto the ultimate decisions.

“Despite the divisive potential of many kinds of religious thought and practice, the positive element – of focus upon a good that is not local and merely short-term, the sense of being answerable for all, and for the whole of a limited material environment – is not easily to be found where the religious perspective is systematically ruled out.”

In his speech, Williams said, "Never has there been a time when the presence of religiously based voluntary groups has been of such moment."

He concluded that, "In short, this is a moment of immense significance for the UN and so for the possibilities of serious transactional work towards justice, security and sustainability. Our hope as a Communion is to make whatever contribution we can for the sake of these things. We are privileged to be welcomed as conversation partners in the UN structures; I hope and pray we shall know how best to use these opportunities for the sake of honouring God's image in all and resisting the various and grievous oppressions that currently torment our world."