U.N.O. Planning A Special Chamber For Prayers

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 April 1949, Page 5

U.N.O. Planning A Special Chamber For Prayers

NEW YORK, April 17 (Recd. 8.50 pm).—The United Nations Organisation plans to build a special chamber for prayer and meditation in its headquarters now bemg constructed in Manhattan, says the New York “Times" correspondent at Lake Success. It will be non-denominational and will constitute nothing but a barewalled room with only the simplest furnishings. It is understood the decision to build the chamber is the result of persistent demands from believers throughout the world that the new headquarters - should have a place where delegates can seek Divine guidance. The vzhole subject of Divine worship is a touchy one for the United Nations, for the Charter contains no mention of a Divinity. There have been many requests for prayers at the opening of meetings, but it has been generally agreed that because of the wide range of religions among member nations it. would be rnest to sidestep the issue altogether. i The correspondent adds that most | countries in the United Nations have I not yet heard about the chamber and | there is real trepidation concerning I Russia's reaction io the project, be- ' cause of Russia’s atheism. It is con- ! tended, however, that the chamber I will be so simple that even Jhe Russians could use it for non-religious ; meditation.