At a time when the UN is seeking to revitalise its own mission, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called for the Security Council to be reformed in a way that best serves the interests of the world's poorest and most marginalised people. Speaking at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York, to a congregation including many UN staff, the Archbishop, Dr. George Carey, used the message of the Sermon on the Mount to make his point. He has previously described it as turning the values of the world on their head in favour of the poor in spirit, the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Drawing a parallel with the UN's mission, he added that "This early mission statement, has profound relevance for the work of the UN, its own structures and procedures; implications for how it operates, how it seeks to reach decisions and attempts to implement them."

The Archbishop warned that without reform, the credibility of the UN Security Council could be eroded. "Reform," he said, " would be both symbol and expression of a different way of visualising the world and of working to meet its challenges-the challenges of peace and justice for all."

He affirmed the importance of the UN's mission and rejected pessimists' assessments of this as "Mission Impossible."

The Archbishop also expressed concern over unpaid US arrears to the UN. "There may be things the United States does not like about the UN - it would not be unique in that regard - but with-holding payment can be counter productive for everyone - including those most in need around the world."

Notes for Editors

The Sermon on the Mount:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God,
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth…
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy…
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God'
Matthew 5, Verses 3-10