On January 5, a class from Eckerd College visited the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. They were the first group to visit this year.
The class, taught by Dr. Tony Brunello, is exploring The United Nations: Terrorism, Peacekeeping and Human Rights. Class participants are meeting with UN staff, delegates from the member states and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Their first meeting was at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
Our conversations focused on why the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a presence at the United Nations, what the roles of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations are, and how ngos work within the United Nations community. We talked about ngo working groups and how they function. Information was shared about the Red Hand Campaign to end the use of children as soldiers and how the Presbyterian Ministry and its partners are engaged in advocacy around the referendum in Sudan. After the discussion, they headed out to continue the class.
The class returned to the Church Center for the United Nations on January 7 to participate in the interfaith prayer service with the people of Sudan. Class members walked with the worshippers to the Isaiah Wall amidst large snowflakes and blowing wind – weather much like what you find in St. Petersburg this time of year – for the closing prayers.
They will return to the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations on January 17 to reflect upon their experiences. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.
The picture of the prayer service at the Isaiah Wall is by Lynette Wilson of the Episcopal News Service and is used with permission.
Contact the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations to schedule a visit or a seminar on a topic of your choice.
Support the Presbyerian Ministry at the United Nations.