|PIC1|The YMCA celebrated the 150th anniversary of the World Alliance of YMCAs with a special service of thanksgiving and celebration at St Paul’s Cathedral Thursday.

The main highlight of the service was a sermon from President of the YMCA and Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, who provided an African theme for the event.

In his sermon, Dr. Sentamu said: “We are gathered here to give thanks and celebrate the YMCA’s World Alliance and its work among young people.” He said of Sir George Williams, founder of the YMCA: “The vision he had 150 years ago goes on.

“The word Christian, a follower and a lover of Christ, is key to the Association; jettison Christian and you could as well be anything else,” he said.

The Archbishop of York added: “The ethos of the Association must always be in the likeness of Christ. That is why the YMCA cares so much about young people, especially those who are homeless. It is marvellous that the Association is there for them.”

Kevin Williams, YMCA England's National Secretary, said in a press release: “Our Movement has developed and changed considerably in 150 years but our core work remains supporting vulnerable young people.

"Today we are seeing young people struggle with family breakdown, homelessness, alcohol and drug issues, financial difficulties and lack of access to education and training.”

He added: “Our annual service is an opportunity to thank God for our Movement’s past, all the people that make it what it is today and to look forward to our future as a charity with a Christian ethos that supports over a million young people each and every year.”

A colourful performance was given by the YMCA’s ‘Ten Sing’ groups, performing arts groups open to young people with an interest in singing, drama, music and dance, together with the YMCA’s youth drama ministry Stage Fright.

|QUOTE|The performance was accompanied by African drums and was designed to celebrate the worldwide nature of the YMCA, with members in various coloured T-shirts to represent the five continents and more than 130 countries of YMCA activity.

The service included a Prayer of Confession led by Jonathan Martin, Chief Executive of YMCA Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and Mr David Bedford, Chair of the National Board of YMCAs England.

A plaque was unveiled by Colin Williams, a descendant of Sir George Williams, at Juxon House, marking the site of the first YMCA founded by Sir Williams in 1844. The unveiling of the plaque was accompanied by a prayer from the Archbishop of York.