Seventh-day Adventist Church representative to the United Nations Dr Jonathan Gallagher called for more openness to religious groups at UN-sponsored meetings, particularly large conferences.

"We need to make such gatherings more faith-friendly," he said, "so that we can engage the membership of these large religious communities around the world." He added that frequently religious groups did not seem to be attracted to the current agenda.

Gallagher was speaking on November 2 at a forum planning the largest public gathering at the UN in New York--the annual DPI/NGO conference that brings together thousands of civil society representatives.

"Historically, the UN has run on rather secular lines," Gallagher adds, "and while not wanting to turn it into a 'religion-fest' we do need to be aware of the values and principles that religious people bring to the table. By clearly welcoming people of faith to UN meetings such as this conference we can do much to ensure that there is more engagement, and so ensure that vital humanitarian and societal goals are achieved. For example, many religious groups are engaged in providing better healthcare and reducing poverty, yet they are often conspicuous by their absence from some UN gatherings. They need to be part of whatever agenda is being established."

UN officials agree that in the past religion has not played a major part in agendas and planning, but recently some greater emphasis is evident regarding the contribution made by faith communities, Gallagher concludes. "We certainly do not want a religion-dominated UN with all that such a system would imply, but recognizing the social contributions of religious believers is essential. People of faith have much to contribute to the wellbeing of this world, and their participation can make a real difference to the lives of so many."

Seventh-day Adventists are a mainstream Protestant church with 15 million members and a church family (including non-baptized children and attendees) estimated at more over 25 million in 221 countries. As a worldwide denomination the Adventist church has working relationship with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Christian World Communions (CWC’s), a loosely structured group of confessional families.