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150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF WORLD ALLIANCE OF YMCAs

	Bombay YMCA had the wonderful privilege of hosting the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the World Alliance of YMCAs. Over 500 people from 42 countries of the world, representing their YMCAs, gathered at Bombay YMCA’s International House, on August 17 to 22, 2005, for the Global Conference & Celebrations, on the theme, “Celebrating, Envisioning & Building Peace with Justice”. As hosts, the Bombay YMCA Staff - both Secretaries and Executives and Volunteers worked hard to provide the best of facilities and opportunities to the delegates during their stay in the city.	The following is a brief report of the happenings: On August 17, 2005, delegates streamed into the George Williams Hall at the Bombay YMCA, as a Bhajan was sung to open the conference, calling all to unity through prayer. With the flags of the represented nations hanging throughout the hall, a great sense of anticipation swept through the room. After words of welcome, AWAAZ, a group led by Alok Ulfat, presented a powerful message on globalisation through drama, song and dance.

	A choice of workshops on Child Soldiers (Liberia YMCA), Student YMCA (USA YMCA), Mission Clarity & Communications (Denmark YMCA), Disaster Preparedness & Response (Japan YMCA), and Environment (Thailand YMCA) were held at the various venues at International House. Meanwhile, another group took part in exposure visits around Mumbai. Local volunteers navigated participants through YMCAs in various parts of the city. They learnt about how the underprivileged from the city are provided better opportunities through education and learning of vocational skills. In the afternoon of August 18, 2005, participants were invited to sign enormous banners of the Paris Basis and Challenge 21 as they arrived	at the Nation Centre for Performing Arts, Nariman Point, which were later laid at the foot of the cross during the worship. A multinational choir led participants through an interactive, international opening worship service, celebrating 150 years of YMCA service. In his worship address the World Alliance President, Reverend Caesar Molebatsi emphasised that this was “a momentus occasion” in the history of the YMCA movement, reminding all that it is an occasion for us to “appreciate the exploits and achievements of the giants” who gave the world the World Alliance of YMCAs in 1855. We stand on the shoulders of these giants and look to the future, ready to make our commitments to continued service.

	H.E. Shri S.M. Krishna, Governor of Maharashtra, lighting the lamp, inaugurates the celebration. Looking on are Rev. Samuel	On August 19, 2005, following a time of morning worship, several bus loads of delegates went on a sight-seeing tour of Mumbai. Some of the stops included the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Museum. Discussion groups on ‘Understanding the realities of Globalisation’ quickly got under way following the tours. Building on their visits to the contrasting areas of Mumbai – both impoverished communities where the YMCA works, and wealthy Bollywood - participants discussed how globalisation is affecting not only India but their own countries.
	The Governor of Maharasthra, His Excellency Shri S. M. Krishna, was the Guest of Honour at the official inauguration ceremonyheld that evening. He acknowledged the YMCAs work, saying that “it is a tribute to the Movement’s fathers that they founded an international body irrespective of caste, creed or clan” committed to “building a human society.” During the inaugural programme, a book entitled, “How Much Can We Do For Others” by Dr. M.D. David, was released by H.E. S.M. Krishna. The culmination of the second day of celebrations was a mesmorising cultural presentation. A multitude of colorful and dynamic dancers streamed down through the aisles and onto the stage performing a wide variety of dances from all over India.	The Fringe programme for the evening included henna tatooing, sari dressing, a Gandhi video, as well as a lively debate on the role of women in leadership in the YMCA. On August 20, 2005, a Plenary session on “ What Peace with Justice Means to me” was held. Dr. Ninan Koshy challenged participants to “rediscover peace in its true sense.” “Rulers of the world have redefined war and peace on their terms, “ explained Dr. Koshy. He invited the YMCA to rediscover the true meaning of peace with justice “through prayer, worship and concrete involvement” such as exposing injustices that lead to conflict.

		Speakers all: (from top to bottom): Dr. Caesar Molebatsi, Dr. Bart Shaha, Mr. Stanley Karkada, Dr. Ninan Koshy, Ms. Gracia Violeta, and Mr. Amir Dossal.

	James Gomez, General Secretary of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, then gave a brilliant, impassioned presentation of what peace with justice means in an African context. Finally, Gracia Violeta from Bolivia gave her own testimony as a young Christian living with HIV. Her openness, grace and faith had a profound impact on all present, expressed in a standing ovation. An international advocate for those living with HIV, Gracia’s message was clear: as Christians we must not discriminate against our sisters and brothers living with HIV in our midst, in our churches, in our YMCAs, as has been the experience of so many, but rather always welcome, include and love. Workshops on how to respond to these urgent challenges to rediscover peace with justice were then held on topics such as gangs and youth justice, working with the Dalit community, and defending God’s creation. On the final day, delegates got to work in capacity building sessions to gain skills for implementing the commitments they had made during the	week. From youth leadership development and speaking a message at national level, to using the media and advocacy skills, participants explored very practical ways of bringing positive changes in their YMCAs and communities. The YMCA “has a unique capability and mission; to build leadership among young men and women,” declared keynote speaker Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships. “The United Nations welcomes the opportunity to partner with the World Alliance of YMCAs. Like the UN, you aim to empower youth, advocate for human rights, eradicate poverty, promote education and health. Let us find ways to work together to tackle these challenges.” On a practical note, Mr. Dossal invited YMCAs to share information about their programmes with UN offices at country level.

	Keynote speaker Dr. Bart Shaha was very clear about the similarities between the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the UN and the YMCA’s own Challenge 21, which came two years earlier. He encouraged YMCAs to consciously commit to implementing the MDGs as clear expressions of the mandates of Challenge 21. In the afternoon delegates processed with song and banners to St. Thomas’ Cathedral in the heart of the city, for a commissioning service. It was solemn moment in the Movement’s history as each person was invited to recommit to one of the mandates of Challenge 21 by placing a visible sign of this commitment on a huge Challenge 21 banner. There was a powerful sense of occasion as each one was invited to reflect on the significance of this day, the last in the first 150 years of World Alliance history. “Today we are at a crossroads,” announced Rev. Caesar Molebatsi, World Alliance President. “We are called to march on because the task	is not yet finished. Having come to Mumbai things can never be the same again. We are invited to follow our Lord Jesus Christ into the next 150 years. We’re to leave Mumbai and preach the good news. Go forth with the blessing and mandate of Jesus Christ with a commitment to serve and make a difference.” To mark the exact date that the founding mission statement of the World Alliance of YMCAs, the Paris Basis, was signed, the 22nd August 1855, participants gathered together one last time at midnight for a time of reflective worship. As a last act of fellowship and commitment, representatives of national YMCA movements present signed a “Letter from Mumbai” to the rest of the world YMCA family on August 22, 2005.
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