In 1954, Rothe's "Universal Calendar" was one of several proposals before the United Nations in its search for a common calendar for all nations to use. The debate was postponed at the request of the United States, representing the views of religious groups. Christians, Jews, and other religions that observe the Sabbath every seven days, objected to any calendar that would disrupt the cycle, which the undated 365th day on Rothe's calendar most certainly did. The discussion at the U.N. was never resumed. Rothe never lost faith in his calendar, and continued to promote it until his death in 1976.