WCC news: Service of Thanksgiving will mark 80th Anniversary of the UN inaugural meeting

On 17 January, a special service will commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the UN inaugural meeting. Under the theme “Building Our Future Together,” those gathered in-person and via livestream will remember 10 January 1946, when representatives from across a war-torn world walked into Methodist Central Hall in Westminster and took their seats for the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.  Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC 16 January 2026 “It was not a grand moment for the sake of spectacle,” note the organizers of the service, which will be held in the very same hall at 11 am London time. “It was an act of responsibility — the first attempt to build a framework for cooperation strong enough to prevent the return of global conflict.” The service will show how, 80 years later, that moment still matters. “This service of thanksgiving will mark that beginning,” note the organizers. “It will honour the people who believed dialogue was stronger than division, and diplomacy stronger than vengeance.” Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the service, taking part in an act of remembrance with local schoolchildren, honouring those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace. UN secretary general António Guterres, will also be taking part in the service alongside representatives of the UK government. The service will bring together government ministers, diplomats, civic leaders, faith representatives, students, and members of the public to reflect on what began in this building: the idea that nations could work together with purpose, accountability, and patience. “This anniversary is a reminder: peace is never guaranteed — but it is always worth the work,” note the organizers.  More information about this event See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland