Across the avenue from United Nations headquarters in New York stands the Church Centre for the United Nations, a building opened in 1963 after a dream for a Christian centre that would support the work of the United Nations became a reality. Twelve floors provide religious and other non governmental organisations concerned with the UN issues, meeting space and a focal point for activities. The vision for the centre originated with US Methodists with financial support from the Methodist Womens Division and it houses tenants such as American Baptists, Presbyterians, the World Council of Churches, the Methodists, the United Church of Christ, Quakers and Lutherans. Non governmental organisations, such as International Women’s Tribune Centre and International Peace Academy also rent space and the building has come to serve not only as a centre of church activity related to the UN but as the “heart of global civil society efforts” to make its presence felt at UN meetings.
As more church offices, such as APW NZ, have secured consultative status with the UN Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) there is more participation in its commissions such as the Commission on the Status of Women, suggesting language for statements, sharing information and presenting church positions on issues.
Every year the Church Centre provides a place for the NGO community to meet, hold meetings and discussions and form networks. Although the churches have not exerted a major influence on the UN, they have had some success in shaping the UN agenda and the tone of the debate. “they have kept in the forefront a moral and ethical approach to global issues”.
The building and its staff also provide an important pastoral service to people in the UN community. There is a Chaplain’s office and a chapel designed to serve not only Christians, but people of all religions. Looking across at the building, UN diplomats and staff see a structure that says that the churches are developing their own views on international affairs and offering support for efforts to serve the world community.