“Everyone has a different story with faith. But what unites us is that we are loved and called to love. I urge you to share whatever you feel about the YMCA’s Christian identity in 21st Century, 180 years after we were founded on strong Christian principles. Reflect on how we have stayed true to those principles, and evolved to care for people and communities in body, mind and spirit – be they male or female, young or old, rich or poor, Christian or of any and no faith. We serve all, and our actions speak louder than our words. Thank you for adding your precious voice to this Movement-wide conversation!”
That’s how World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee opened two online ‘Youth Dialogues’ on 10 and 11 September, the first assembling Francophone YMCA countries largely in Africa, the second assembling Hispanophone countries largely in Latin America.
“This has been a brilliant exchange: thank you!”, said Gerard Atahoun, head of YMCA Togo who chaired the Francophone meeting alongside Adjo Emefa Tchalla.
“We treasure all your passion for this subject and for our Movement”, said Alveiro Valencia, head of YMCA Colombia who chaired the Hispanophone.
After a Youth Dialogue in English held on 14 August for the Asia Pacific region, a second and final dialogue will be held in English for the Americas, Africa and Europe on 19 September at 14:00 UTC. Register here.
Meanwhile, YMCA National Movements around the world continue to hold their own national conversations, and all YMCA people are invited to share more about what it means to be part of the YMCA at 21stcenturychristianidentity@ymca.int.
Read more at Christian Identity – World YMCA.