[Anglican Communion News Service] Archbishop of York John Sentamu joined in celebrations with one of the oldest ecumenical global movements as it marks its 175th anniversary this year. The worldwide YMCA youth movement, which began as an evangelical young men’s Christian service organization, celebrated its start this month with a thanksgiving service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

“It has been a great pleasure to join in the celebrations of 175 years of the YMCA,” said Sentamu, who is the organization’s president. “The work they have done and continue to do today to help and support young people is truly fantastic. My prayer is that the work continues for the next century.”