Contrary to reports in the Washington Times May 17 about its status as a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, the Baptist World Alliance remains optimistic that it will be reaccredited as an NGO, a position it has held with the United Nations since 1975.
Denton Lotz, general secretary of that BWA, emphasized the BWA received no official word from the Economic and Social Council (EcoSoc), which is currently considering accreditation of NGOs.
The BWA was alerted of the accreditation concern when a reporter for the Washington Times newspaper contacted George Younger, the BWA representative at the United Nations. Younger immediately contacted Hanifa Dahela Mezoui, the chief of the NGO Section Department of Economic and Social Affairs, on the issue but has received no formal response as yet.
According to Younger, the EcoSoc has some concerns about the BWA’s work in certain human rights efforts. However the BWA General Secretary says, “I suspect they only want more information. …Our operations are transparent and not politically motivated.”
Noting that the first annual award given to NGOs in New York City is named after the first BWA representative there, Eleanor Schnur, Lotz said, “I would find it very strange and indeed an injustice if the BWA were denied accreditation.”
If that happens, Lotz says, “We would appeal and make our case that we defend religious freedom, combat racism, and defend human rights for all peoples, everywhere. We do not make political judgments but are concerned about our common humanity and goal of justice, freedom and peace for every nation.”
Lotz also pointed out that the BWA consistently asks governments and leaders to uphold the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. He referred to leading Baptists such as Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Jr. and Billy Graham, all of whom have spoken to the United Nations and affirmed Baptist concern for religious freedom for all.
(BWA)
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