This week in Christian history: YMCA’s first world conference, pioneering Indian bishop born
First World Conference of the Young Men’s Christian Association begins — Aug. 20, 1855
This week marks the anniversary of when the notable young organization, the Young Men’s Christian Association, began its multi-day first-ever world conference, held in Paris, France.
The YMCA was founded 11 years earlier, in 1844, by Sir George Williams, the initial members meeting at a drapery shop in St. Paul's Churchyard in London, England.
The organization grew rapidly and soon had chapters in several countries, leading to its first world conference, which featured 99 delegates from nine countries, with an average age of 22.
As part of their proceedings, the delegates adopted a two-sentence agreement known as the Paris Basis, which remains a key mission statement of the modern global YMCA organization.
“The Young Men’s Christian Associations seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his Kingdom amongst young men,” stated the Basis.
“Any differences of opinion on other subjects, however important in themselves, shall not interfere with the harmonious relations of the constituent members and associates of the World Alliance.”
