Call for diversity in UN as study finds Christianity dominates body

Christianity still dominates the United Nations, and a more diverse system is needed to increase non-Christian representation in world peace-making, according to a study.

Research undertaken by Jeremy Carrette, with colleagues from the University of Kent’s Department of Religious Studies, revealed that more than 70% of religious non-government organisations (NGOs) at the UN are Christian, and that there is historical privilege in allowing the Vatican a special observer status, as both a state and a religion.

The report, called Religious NGOs And The United Nations, calls for greater awareness, transparency, and equality for the way religious NGOs operate within the UN, and more emphasis on religious tolerance.