La Iglesia Episcopal y la Organización de Naciones Unidas
Photo: Mathias Reding / Unsplash
With alignment in some key areas of focus, Episcopalians have engaged with the United Nations since the international organization was founded in 1945 and were involved in the advocacy that created the body. Comprising 193 member states, the U.N., also headquartered in New York City, seeks to maintain international peace and security; protect human rights; deliver humanitarian aid; support sustainable development and climate action; and uphold international law.
The Episcopal Church, grounded in our commitment to love God and respect the dignity of all people, participates in the U.N.’s global work in multiple ways. We represent the church’s policy positions and priorities to the U.N. and other multilateral institutions. We support Episcopalians participating in U.N. activities and meetings, and we partner closely with the Anglican Communion’s representatives to the U.N. in our outreach and advocacy. We offer our witness of faith and a ministry of advocacy and hospitality—and we inform and invite the church to be part of this worldwide work.
Learn more below about the U.N. conferences and forums in which we participate—and how you and your congregation or diocese can get involved. Contact The Episcopal Church’s representative to the United Nations.
U.N. Commission on the Status of Women
This global commission —comprising 45 member states and supported by UN Women—is dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. It meets each March in New York City for almost two weeks. The Episcopal Church and our Anglican Communion partners have participated in these sessions since at least the 1990s.
Conference of the Parties of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
This annual climate change conference (known as COP) is an intergovernmental meeting focused on global dialogue and action on climate issues. It meets for about two weeks in a different country each year. The Episcopal Church has participated in the conference since 2015. COP31 is scheduled for Nov. 9-20, 2026, in Antalya, Turkey.
Other U.N. events in which we participate
Alongside our partners in the Anglican Communion, we encourage Episcopalians to learn more about these international forums and explore ideas on how you can participate.
Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
This advisory forum, begun in 2021, typically meets each spring and seeks to provide recommendations to the U.N. Human Rights Council on issues related to racism, racial discrimination, and protection of human rights and freedoms for people of African descent. Episcopal Church representatives have participated since 2023.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
This high-level forum—which advises the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council—provides advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights. Members typically meet for 10 days at U.N. headquarters in the spring. Episcopal Church Indigenous representatives have participated since 2012.
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
This forum—which meets each July for eight days in New York—focuses on review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
History of The Episcopal Church and the U.N.
Learn about the church’s long history with the United Nations, including the involvement of individual Episcopalians in the international organization, as well as ongoing support from our governing bodies.
Join ‘Prayer for Peace Among the Nations’ on U.N. Day
All Episcopalians are invited to join in United Nations Day each Oct. 24 by praying the following: “Almighty God, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 816).
How can my church or diocese engage with the U.N.?
In addition to following Episcopal Church news and announcements about U.N. events, below are some ways to integrate your faith with the work of this international organization.
- Start a study or prayer group on a global issue. Find out what the U.N. is doing about it and how your community can participate.
- Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals. Explore how your parish’s ministries relate to the #GlobalGoals. Adopt and track a #GlobalGoal.
- Follow and promote a U.N. social media campaign that interests your community.
- Share your story with the wider Episcopal Church via social media using the hashtag #EpiscopalUN.
