Knowledge of YMCA Thessaloniki
The Basis of Paris
The Basis of Paris identifies Jesus Christ as the central focus of the Organization, which is considered a Worldwide Brotherhood uniting Christians of all classes. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or social status, can become a member, provided they accept the fundamental principles of the YMCA.
The Basis of Paris cannot regulate specific issues related to members of each organization; this responsibility is assigned to the regular members of the World Alliance’s organizations. It clarifies that the member organizations of the World Alliance have the right to express the purposes and mission of the organization through various means, depending on the individuals they wish to serve and the society in which they operate, if these means do not contradict the basic provisions of the Basis of Paris and the Statutes of the World Alliance.
According to the Kabbalah Declaration, the recognition of the Basis of Paris is up to the various organizations and their members in their efforts to achieve the following imperative goals:
- -Work for justice and equal treatment for all.
- -Promote a climate of love and understanding among people.
- -Foster a climate of honesty and progress within the organization and society.
- -Develop programs that practically apply the deep Christian teachings.
- -Work towards the personal development of individuals.
The Principles of Kabbalah
The members of the 6th World Council of the YMCA, gathered in Kampala from July 18 to 25, 1973, recognized the Basis of Paris of 1855 as the main Statutory Charter of the World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations.
They acknowledged the unity between the regular and cooperating members of the World Alliance, considering each organization independent in its decision-making.
They deemed that the Basis of Paris, as outlined below, is the criterion for the future admission of other National Organizations into the World Alliance.
The working basis of the World Alliance is that which was adopted in Paris in 1855 by the representatives of the Young Men’s Christian Association:
The Young Men’s Christian Association aims to unite all young people who, considering Jesus Christ as their God and Savior according to the Scriptures, wish to become His disciples in faith and life, and to unite their efforts in extending His Kingdom among the youth.
Any other differences of opinion on other matters should not disturb the harmonious relationships between the Regular and Cooperating Members of the World Alliance.
Challenge 21
The World Alliance of YMCA was founded in 1855 at its first World Congress held in Paris. At that time, the participants at the congress developed the first mission statement of the YMCA, known as the Basis of Paris.
Since then, the YMCA’s mission statement has been interpreted to reflect modern realities, first in 1973 with the Principles of Kabbalah, and more recently, in 1998, with Challenge 21
Challenge 21, adopted at the 14th World Council of YMCA in Frechen, Germany, in 1998, states:
“We affirm that the Basis of Paris adopted in 1855 as the enduring mission statement of the YMCA, at the threshold of the third millennium, declares that: YMCA is a global Christian, ecumenical, voluntary movement for women and men, with a special emphasis on the sincere engagement of young people, seeking to share the Christian ideal of creating a human community where justice, love, peace, and reconciliation prevail for the fullness of life for all beings.
Each national or local YMCA is therefore called to focus on specific Challenges, which will become priorities depending on the environment of each YMCA.
These Challenges, which are an evolution of the Principles of Kabbalah, include:
-Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and striving for the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of people and the completeness of communities.
-Empowering all, especially young people, to take on increased responsibilities and leadership at all levels and work towards an equal society.
-Supporting and promoting the rights of women and children.
-Fostering dialogue and fellowship among people of different faiths and ideologies, recognizing the cultural identities of people, and promoting cultural renewal.
-Committing to work in solidarity with the poor, the marginalized, displaced persons, and oppressed racial, religious, and national minorities.
-Seeking to be a mediator and reconciler in conflict situations and working for the participation and improvement of self-determination of people.
-Supporting every creation of God against all that could destroy it, preserving and protecting the Earth’s resources for future generations. To address these challenges, the YMCA must develop forms of cooperation at all levels that will enable self-sufficiency and self-determination.”
The Official Emblem of the World Alliance of YMCAs
The official emblem of the World Alliance of YMCAs was adopted in 1881 at the 9th World YMCA Congress and has been in use ever since.
The emblem is circular and consists of five segments, each named after a continent. These segments are connected by small “cartouches” featuring the YMCA monogram in various languages. Since 1881, YMCA leaders have believed that the Movement could truly become global and without borders.
At the center of the circle is the largest monogram, representing the Name of Christ (a combination of the first two letters of His name in Greek), as depicted in the catacombs by early Christians.
Above the monogram is an open Bible, showing John 17:21:
“That all may be one.”
This is meant to remind YMCAs that at the heart of the Movement is Christ, a source of strength, hope, and unity that brings us all together.