Around 3,000 youth workers and young people from over 100 nations are gathering at London’s Excel Centre this week for a celebration of the Christian charity.
Launched in London in 1844 by Sir George Williams to improve the spiritual condition of young men, the organisation grew to become the world’s oldest and largest youth movement.
It reaches 65 million people across 120 countries.
Speaking to Premier from the 175th anniversary event, Dr John Sentamu said: “In nearly 15 years I’ve been president of YMCA England I have seen lives of young people transformed.
“I’m ever so thankful to God for the work that the YMCA does.”
When asked about the message he’d like youth workers to be giving to young people in today’s society, he said: “They should be giving them joy, hope and love and telling them it doesn’t matter what circumstances you are going through – God, in the power of the holy spirit, is closer to us than our breath.”
“God is much closer to you than you think” – Archbishop of York and @YMCAEng_Wales President @JohnSentamu opening today’s morning devotion of #YMCA175 pic.twitter.com/cYt1AobsXa
— World YMCA (@WorldYMCA) August 6, 2019
Those gathered at YMCA175 will receive more than 200 hours of lectures and interactive workshops, innovative collaborative sessions and open seminars.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, said: “We are…
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