Ukraine-based pastor Sunday Adelaja spoke at the United Nations Aug. 23, discussing how churches can become part of the solution for global problems such as poverty, health and conflict. Speaking twice, including during an open meeting attended by ministers in New York, Adelaja told delegates that Christians have the potential to transform society. “The values that Jesus brought should not be limited to the four walls of the church,” Adelaja told Charisma. “These values actually could be used to help in transforming the society in the area of poverty alleviation, even up to the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East. The values of Jesus are not merely the values of churches. Values are something general; everyone can relate to values of love, peace, patience, kindness, meeting the needs and resolving poverty issues.” Pastor of Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations in Kiev, Ukraine, Adelaja is well known throughout Europe for his church’s work to meet social needs and influence culture. Members of his 25,000-strong church, commonly known as God’s Embassy, were involved in the Orange Revolution, a series of protests in 2004 that resulted in the election of West-leaning Viktor Yushchenko as president. Adelaja said he hopes to encourage churches to play a more visible role in addressing global challenges. “We have something to bring on board,” he said, “and we would like to partner to bring relief to the crises of our world.”
