Statement of Mission

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Statement of Mission

(Adopted at the Quadrennial Council Meeting during the 15th General Assembly of the Asia Alliance of YMCAs held on 16-20 September 1999 at Manila, Philippines)

STATEMENT OF MISSION

The PARIS BASIS is the basis of the YMCA movement. In the context of our region, we express our understanding of the PARIS BASIS as follow:

The YMCA is an international, voluntary, ecumenical, Christian movement based on God's love revealed in Jesus Christ.

The YMCA is called to be open and active in sharing with all, particularly young people, the good news of Jesus Christ and its vision of a society characterised by justice and peace.

The YMCA is called to work in the community for the fullness of life for all and the integrity of Creation.

YMCA IMPERATIVES

The YMCA in our region needs, therefore, to pursue the Biblical vision of the reign of God, and the mission of the disciples of Jesus Christ in and for the world today, and shall strive to:

  1. Work for the spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being of individuals and communities, living in harmony with the whole creation.
  2. Empower young people to take more responsibilities and assume leadership for the transformation towards an equitable society.
  3. Resist all forms of oppression, exploitation and discrimination against women.
  4. Protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation
  5. Commit to work in solidarity with the poor, dispossessed, uprooted people, oppressed racial and ethnic minorities, the aged and peoples with special needs.
  6. Maintain the cultural identities of people and promote cultural renewal.
  7. Promote dialogue and partnership with people of different faiths.
  8. Seek to be reconcilers in situations of conflict.
  9. Work for equitable relations between nations and peoples.
  10. Protect and defend God's Creation against all that destroys it and preserve the earth's resources for future generations.
  11. Participate actively in building of civil societies.
  12. Ensure equal opportunities for participation of women and young people in decision making process.

CALL TO ACTION

In implementing programmes, the YMCA is urged to ensure that the above imperatives are adhered to, and cooperation and partnership between YMCAs is sought.