Recipients - World Methodist Council

PEACE AWARD RECEPIENTS

PEACE AWARDS

WINNERS

The Rev. Ebenezer Joseph — 2022

The Rev. W. P. Ebenezer Joseph of Sri Lanka has at great personal cost called out injustice and been on the side of the oppressed and marginalized in Sri Lanka. He is a fearless advocate for justice and continues to work relentlessly to bring people together for peace. He has worked across religion, race and ethnicity.

Known as Ebey to family and friends, his life has consistently been one of courage and creativity. For many years, in a highly complex and fragile political situation, he needed to find imaginative ways to build peace; using his skills as a peacemaker and diplomat, he sought to create unlikely alliances and build relationships across formerly conflicted divides. Often at great personal risk, he sought to a voice for peace and a creative activist drawing fractured communities together.

“Life is fragile and trust is broken in so many areas of our world,” said WMC General Secretary Ivan Abrahams in announcing the 2022 recipient. “It is in these places that the voice and leadership of those like Rev. Joseph are so important. It is an honor to announce him as this year’s recipient. Work such as his inspires us all as we struggle to be the voice of the voiceless.”

Upon hearing that he had been recognized for his efforts toward a world with peace for all people, Rev. Joseph said, “I am more than humbled to receive this prestigious recognition by the Methodist fraternity. What was possible to be done definitely has its roots in the Wesleyan spirituality in which I was brought up and am rooted in. The award is not mine alone but belongs to the many who were part of my life’s journey, with a great sense of dedication and sacrifice, for whom I thank God.”

General Secretary of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka for 14 years, head of the United Methodist Church in Sri Lanka from 2005-2010, and recognized for his contribution to national unity and religious co-existence by the Anti-War Front in 2006, Rev. Joseph has long been recognized for his outstanding service.

1983 saw horrendous race riots in Sri Lanka. Many minority Tamils were mercilessly murdered and their property looted and destroyed. Rev. Joseph had to endure the indignity of being confined in a burning building for two hours followed by living in a refugee camp for nearly three weeks. Rather than taking the opportunity to leave the country as many did, he chose to remain in Sri Lanka and work for peace and reconciliation. He restored the work at Colombo City Mission, which was also burnt down during the riots, and continued to Work for Integration of the Sinhala and Tamil Communities in the slums around Pettah.

As tensions between the Muslim and Tamil communities were high, and confrontations between the militants and the military disrupted everyday life, his leadership and voice never wavered but continued to be strong. Rev. Joseph facilitated local religious leaders in forming the Kalmunai Peace Foundation, successfully building trust and understanding among the different communities.

The Rev. Olav Pärnamets — 2021

The Rev. Olav Pärnamets of Estonia contributions to world peace began with Europe in the second half of the 20th century. The tiny Baltic country of Estonia enjoyed less than a quarter of a century as a free republic during the first half of the 20th century. Still, during that time, the Methodist Church planted roots and grew. Born in 1937, Rev. Pärnamets spent most of his childhood and adult ministry under the strict and oppressive control of the Soviet Union, his nominees explain. Yet, this man served as a pastor and district superintendent, displaying great courage when the government of Estonia oppressed those who even participated in religious activity. Worship, theological study and evangelical activities were suppressed with the threat of punishment. But he traveled the world to share about the faithfulness of the people called Methodists in this Baltic country.

One of Rev. Pärnamets greatest strengths is creativity. With little to no money and Big Brother watching, he led by faith, and his unique ability to bring together people from different cultures, nations and backgrounds is evident in the vital Estonian church.

“Whether challenged to abandon God for the state as a child, to give up his Bible while conscripted in the military, or faced with needs and not enough resources, Rev. Pärnamets has always leaned on God’s grace,” said his nomination. His actions as a child, a youth worker, a deacon, pastor, superintendent and ecumenical leader are evidence of his life-long peace efforts. His vision of a Baltic Mission Center became a reality through the generosity and friendship of people he influenced worldwide. There is a Baltic Theological Seminar that equips and sends clergy all over Europe. More than 90 percent of todays’ clergy in Estonia were educated there.

Bishop John K. Yambasu — 2020

The late Bishop John K. Yambasu, the 2020 Peace Award recipient, a courageous peacemaker in his home country of Sierra Leone and across the United Methodist connection for many years, provided critical leadership during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak and the 2017 mud landslide, both of which killed thousands of his fellow citizens. He was known for choosing to speak truth, even in difficult situations, while at the same time living peaceably with all people and was a role model to the United Methodists in Africa and across the connection, his nomination stated.

Bishop Yambasu grew up in poverty and is quoted as having said, “I know through and through what poverty is. I have slept with it and I have woken to it. Countless times, I went to bed without food. I have not only experienced poverty, but for almost ten years I had to wrestle with it. Today in Sierra Leone, I live side by side with poverty and misery.” He then said, “ I am totally fed up!...We need to embrace each other” Red and yellow, black and white, poor and rich, have and have-nots, gay or straight, bisexual or homosexual, polygamists, we all need to engage each other…We need to torment God with our prayers and give us sleepless nights until we can look at each other in the face and say, ‘We are brothers and we are sisters’.” He was creative in thought and action.

And the late Bishop was consistent throughout his life. He served the people around him as the focus of his call to ministry. He was a leader in the “Imagine No Malaria” campaign, the Ebola crisis, and COVID-19 pandemic. He was a teacher to young people, founder of the Child Rescue Center, and shortly before his death in an automobile accident, was elected Chancellor of Africa University.

His nominees said that Bishop Yambasu was a man of peace: peace for those living with illness, peace for children struggling in poverty, peace across nations and continents. He exemplified the best in Christian peacemaking.

The Rev. Dr. Laney — 2019

The Rev. Dr. James T. Laney, President Emeritus at Emory, received the Award for his extraordinary and continuing efforts on behalf of the people of Korea. His association with Korea began in 1947 when he served there in the United States Army Counter-Intelligence Corps. Having seen the tragedy of a divided Korea, he dared to return in 1959 as a missionary with his family. He taught at Yonsei University in Seoul from 1959 to 1964. While teaching and guiding Korean students, he found a common human bond with the suffering people in Korea who inspired him to seek for the education of the heart throughout his later career as dean of a seminary and a university president at Emory University. In 1993, he returned to South Korea for the third time as US Ambassador. The first North Korean nuclear crisis started in 1994, and the US was on the edge of war with North Korea. Laney helped diffuse the crisis by tirelessly working with President Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter to avoid an attack on North Korea. He passionately challenged the US Senate not to end up involved in another war. Dr. Laney helped shift American foreign policy from snubbing the North Koreans to working together toward common ground. Korean scholar Stephen W. Linton told the New York Times, “I think history will see him [Laney] as the first ambassador to the whole peninsula.” In an interview with Emory Magazine, Laney said that what he tried to contribute was a new way of looking at the situation on the Korean peninsula. Laney summed up why his work was successful in these words, “Peacemaking begins when we stop demonizing and being so skeptical and distrustful, no matter how bad the past has been. It begins with humility and the attitude of hearts.”

The Rev. Dr. Bhogal — 2018

The Rev. Dr. Inderjit Bhogal first exhibited his will to step forward when needed as a young boy of only eleven. By the age of 20, he was one of the of the initiators of the very first interfaith group in the UK and has been a central figure in interfaith relations in Britain and Ireland since. Often facing criticism and opposition to interfaith work from people of beliefs, including his own congregations and colleagues, he did not hesitate to push for the rights of others. For years, Bhogal has challenged and encouraged the British Methodist Church (BMC) to positively support the struggles of asylum seekers and refugees for justice and mercy. Until the recent Syrian refugee crisis dating to 2015, this was not popular but then became mainstream work. He walked from the steps of the Town Hall in Sheffield to 10 Downing Street, London to hand deliver a letter to the Prime Minister and the British Government asking for a fairer deal for asylum seekers and that they not be detained in conventional prisons. He has consistently challenged his own denomination and other organizations to resist racism, sexism, homophobia and all forms of oppressive behaviour. Many of his colleagues believe that this has been to the detriment of his own career as a clergyperson. Although he has been President of the Conference in the BMC, an honorary position, his refusal to sit on the fence and his outspoken insistence regarding matters of injustice have meant that many doors to positions of greater influence and responsibility have been closed to him, his nominee explained. Beginning with his student days in the mid-1970s, Bhogal has visited Northern Ireland and supported the work of the Corrymeela Community. He was the only person of a minority ethnicity to hold a CEO role in the whole of Ireland. Bhogal is also the only person of a minority background to be appointed President of the BMC [2000-2001]. Always committed to building cultures of welcome, hospitality and safety for asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable people, his worl is far reaching. Bhogal’s ministry included arranging pilgrimages to Ireland, Croatia and Punjab, India to promote a deeper understanding of peace and reconciliation.

Methodist Churches in Italy (OPCEMI) — 2017

Methodist Churches in Italy (OPCEMI), was chosen for their work with and commitment to migrants and refugees dating back to 1989. This small church (part of the Union of Methodists and Waldensians in Italy) has exhibited great courage when faced with the large crisis of refugees and migrants flooding Europe. When others said the problems were insurmountable, the OPCEMI’s attitude has been that “we could do no other – we could not sit by and let this happen.” A safe and welcoming space called “House of Culture” was created at Scicli in Sicily, which has welcomed refugees and migrants from Syria, Iraq, the Middle East as well as North, Central and West Africa. The church’s work has spanned decades and has welcomed migrants of Protestant, Catholic, and Muslim faiths. Their involvement with Mediterranean Hope has been consistent and has continued despite the increasing wave of arrivals in Italy. The OPCEMI continues its efforts also by financing the humanitarian corridors through the “8 x 1000” office of the Union of the Waldensian and Methodist Churches in Italy.

The Nassar Family — 2017

The Nassar Family was chosen for their work with the Tent of Nations which they host on their 100 acre farm located southwest of Bethlehem in a highly disputed area of Palestine controlled by the Israeli Government. The family remains on their land and share their story of peace with guests from around the world. The family is not permitted to develop their farm for agricultural purposes, not having access to power, water, or sewer infrastructure, nor obtain permits for any new buildings. The family has instead come up with creative and sustainable alternatives. Each summer, children from local villages (Christian and Muslim) participate in a summer camp aimed at giving the children freedom and distraction from the surrounding politics, empowering the children with self-confidence so that they can be a part of a better future for Palestine. The family also established the Bent Al-Reef Women’s Centre to empower women with classes in English, computer, art, etc., and encourage them to play a role in shaping society. Each year hundreds of volunteers travel to Palestine and live with the Nassar family and actively engage with working the land, participating and leading programs. On receiving the news of the award, Daoud Nassar stated, “It was a special moment for all of us to hear that the 2017 Peace Award is going to our family. We are honored to receive this Award. We will continue our struggle for justice with faith, love and hope knowing that we are not left alone. We will also continue to cultivate the land and plant more seeds for a better and peaceful future. Together, we can make a difference.”

Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon — 2015

Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon is the founder and former CEO (1996-2008) of World Hope International, Alexandria,Va., Dr. Lyon began that ministry in her home and, in twelve years, grew the organization to a $17 million global Christian relief and development agency serving in 30 countries and dedicated to alleviate suffering and injustice. In her time with World Hope International, she traveled extensively, often to dangerous and remote areas. Her creative approach and problem-solving with local leadership led to programs which brought both clean water and spiritual nourishment to these communities. She has helped to initiate numerous projects including digging wells, holistic healing programs for post-war amputees, and brought national awareness to human-trafficking. She followed her time at World Hope International by serving for eight years as General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church.

Dr. Lyon states: “In this time, we care about needy and suffering people, about immigrants, about racial reconciliation, about refugees, about human trafficking, and about the equality of God’s image in women. The prophet Amos said: ‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (5:24). Seeking justice alone can become all political. But righteousness without seeking justice for others leads to isolation from the world. We find that balance including both justice and righteousness, rooted in the Bible and in our historical identity.”

Dr. Lyon has served as the representative of The Wesleyan Church to the President of The United States Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, on the board of directors of many organizations including the National Association of Evangelicals Executive Committee, Christian Community Development Association, National Religious Partnership for the Environment, Asbury Theological Seminary, Council on Faith of the World Economic Forum. The recipient of five honorary doctorates, Dr. Lyon wrote the book, The Ultimate Blessing, and has authored articles for various publications. She served over 30 years in pastoral ministry with her husband, and has been Adjunct Professor of Church and Society at Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary.

Dr. Hugh and Shirlann Johnson — 2014

Dr. Hugh G. Johnson, a retired missionary, pastor and former Superintendent of the North African District of the United Methodist Church, and his wife, Shirliann, have been named as co-recipients of the 2014 World Methodist Peace Award.

For more than forty years (1962 – 2005), Dr. Hugh and Shirliann Johnson operated under a simple motto: The church has to be where the needs are the greatest, and this philosophy carried their ministry. As missionaries in North Africa, the Johnsons served during times of great unrest. From their beginnings with the General Board of Global Ministries in Algeria, the couple served throughout the nation during the country’s war of independence and the following turbulences.

Serving first in Laarba Nath Irathen in the Kabyila Mountains and later in Algiers, the couple’s tirelessness and drive to connect the gospel with the lives of the people of the Maghreb region led them to become fluent in Arabic and in Kabylian (a Berber language) as well as preaching in French, Dr. Johnson wanted there to be no barriers between the Word and the people.

In 1972, the Algerian government closed orphanages, hospitals and other diaconal institutions of the church. In response Dr. Johnson helped establish an English-language library, which served as a meeting place for people in the region and an unofficial place for Christian fellowship.

Dr. Johnson also regularly appeared on Algerian Radio, often in dialogue with a Muslim representative. He was a mediator who crossed the lines for the cause of reconciliation and mutual understanding.

Shirliann Johnson often visited refugee camps in the desert, coordinating humanitarian aid and teaching young women to lead kindergarten classes in the camp in order to help children and families who were affected by the war. As the region dealt with a rising tide of religious extremism, the couple’s home and church were often attacked and targeted by militant groups. Serving a local church (The Protestant Church in Algeria) that was largely comprised of converted Muslims, Dr. Johnson faced restrictions limiting the church’s ability to worship and evangelize. To combat these laws he held meetings in his home between various Christian denominations and worked together in the spirit of ecumenism. His outspokenness and clashes with local authorities over the import of Bibles in Arabic and the Berber languages displayed the courage and willingness to stand up for his faith and church family, often at great risk to himself. Dr. Johnson was stabbed in an attack during this time, but his faith and commitment to his ministry never wavered. Through numerous disputes with the government and even expulsions from the country, Dr. Johnson always returned to Algeria to help the small Christian community that had formed there. His voice was one that served as a calming influence within the small community of believers in the country as well as an open ear and voice to Muslims in the area. Upon retirement Dr. and Mrs. Johnson left the nation, but their hearts and spirits are still with the people in North Africa.

Marion and Anita Way — 2013

Marion and Anita Way, husband and wife missionaries known for their work in Angola and Brazil are the winners of the 2013 World Methodist Peace Award. The award will be presented on September 12, 2013 at Wesley’s Chapel in London, United Kingdom during the World Methodist Council’s 2013 meeting.

As missionaries in Angola and Brazil, Marion and Anita Way used their faith to assist in the fight against political oppression, racism and other obstacles throughout their career.

In 1958, Marion and Anita served as missionaries in Angola during a time when Methodist churches were routinely accused of instigating the Angolan people to work towards independence from Portugal. In 1961 Marion was arrested, accused of conspiring and working openly in favor of the cause of the independence of Angola. He was jailed for two weeks in a special prison for political prisoners, to be transferred to Portugal. After three months in jail without formal charges, he was released and expelled from the country.

In 1962, the Ways were sent by the General Board of Missions of the Church as missionaries to the First Methodist Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and there they served as Deacons of the Church to the Central People’s Institute (ICP). Marion developed various programs, including helping the poor of that area to develop job skills, such as typing, sewing, English classes and computer skills. Anita was responsible for Christian education, support services to needy children and served as a music teacher. She also created several junior and adult choirs in the community. Throughout their years of service, the Ways were always attentive to societal changes and constantly updated the needs that arose. In 1995, Anita was appointed to the Regional Team Working with the Children’s Area. Since 1983 Marion participated at the Head Office of Projects of the 1st Methodist Conference.

Despite obstacles, challenges and disappointments the Ways never abandoned their ideals in service of God. In those 54 years of continuous work the couple’s work has helped more than 15,000 children and 45,000 families, and more than 100,000 through the outreach that their organizations conduct.

Sadly, Marion Way died in May 2013, but his work alongside his wife Anita in Angola and Rio de Janeiro lives on as a testament to the power of mission. For their half-century of work in mission and bringing dignity and economic empowerment to the poor throughout Angola and Brazil, the World Methodist Council is proud to award the 2013 World Methodist Peace Award to Marion and Anita Way.

Joy Balazo – 2012

Joy Balazo was born in the Southern Philippine island of Mindanao as the youngest of nine children. After a short period in a Catholic convent Joy decided that her life’s work was to be in the midst of the world’s pain and left the convent to enter the challenging world of Human Rights and Peacebuilding. Before coming to Australia in the 1980s, Joy worked with ecumenical and Human Rights organizations in the Philippines.

Joy emerged as a leader in the Pacific region through her peacebuilding efforts alongside the Uniting Church in Australia. For over twenty years Joy has worked not only with the Uniting Church in Australia but also with UnitingWorld, an organization created by the Uniting Church in Australia as an aid organization for the region. Ten years ago Joy established the Young Ambassadors for Peace, acting as their leader and working with local communities to establish eight peacemaking centers in Asia and the Pacific. Joy has also worked to bring together 32 clans in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea that helped end tribal conflicts in the area. She has also worked in the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, along the Thailand-Burma border, Northeastern India, Timor Leste and Bougainville.

In 1999 on the island of Ambon, Indonesia sectarian violence erupted. Christians and Muslims battled through the streets and the entire chain of islands in the province of Maluku, where Ambon is the main city, fighting seemingly engulfed the region. Three quarters of a million people were displaced by the outbreak and an estimated 5,000 lives were lost. Tensions were high and help was needed. UnitingWorld responded to the violence with humanitarian aid and a call for peace between both neighbors and faiths. A peacebuilding organization was established called Maluku Ambassadors for Peace, and at the center of this movement was Joy Balazo.

Joy recently returned to her home in the Philippines to work in Mindanao amongst the indigenous Subanen people of the Zamboanga Peninsula supporting their efforts for peace and sustainable livelihood. The struggle for peace will not be an easy one, but for Joy Balazo it never has been. Her thirst for peace is one that crosses the lines that are sometimes drawn between tribes, between states and between faiths.

Rosalind Colwill – 2011

Rosalind Colwill is a trained social worker who in 1980, went to work with the MCN in Uzuakoli, south east Nigeria, at their leprosy center. She worked there for ten years, and during this time became increasinglyconcerned with the number of individuals who were experiencing mental health problems, and as a result destitute and living on the streets. Ros had a vision of a healing community for these people and in 1990, worked to create and develop Amaudo under the auspices of the Methodist Church Nigeria, in collaboration with local communities. Amaudo means ‘Village of Peace’, a name chosen by Ros and it is based in the village of Itumbauzo in South-East Nigeria. Amuado Okepedi: Village of Peace was the original Community Centre for Mentally Ill Destitutes. A community where residents and workers live communally based in a circle around a chapel. It is home for up to 65 destitute and mentally ill people and a base for their rehabilitation and repatriation. Rehabilitation takes place whilst the residents live, work, eat and worship together. Treatment involves counseling, psychiatric medication and workshops in life skills and vocational training. The families of the residents are traced, educated about mental illness and, after a number of home visits, residents resettled into the community. Discharged residents are equipped with the tools to begin their trades at home and their progress is reviewed by psychiatric nurses. There were times at the beginning when Ros was seen as ‘mad’ herself for wanting to live alongside mentally ill people. The creativity with which her vision has brought to mental health care in Nigeria and the inspiration she has provided in attracting others to share in the work with her. The consistency and belief in what they are doing despite difficulties with funding and other problems which has led to hope for people with mental health problems in Nigeria.

The organization Amaudo Itumbauzo helps those who find themselves destitute due to mental health, mental illness or learning difficulties. From its humble beginnings 20 years ago picking up mentally ill, destitute people off the streets of Umuahia, Amaudo now has 6 projects, working in various areas of care, support and education.

Rev. Dr. Jeannine C. Brabon – 2009

The Reverend Doctor Jeannine C. Brabon exemplifies the Award’s criteria of courage, creativity, and consistency, through a remarkable ministry involving difficult and dangerous circumstances. Spanning over 20 years of ministry in Colombia amidst the ‘culture of death” where murder is an offshoot of the drug cartel and drug culture, her story is amazing and inspirational. A Hebrew scholar specializing in Biblical Hebrew and exegesis, Jeannine is a professor at Seminario Biblico de Colombia (the Biblical Seminary of Colombia) and regional director of Colombia’s Prison Fellowship, but her real ministry lies with the inmates of Bellavista and other prisons. Invited nearly 20 years ago by the chaplain to preach in Bellavista Prison, the most deadly prison in Colombia, Jeannine found her life forever changed and enriched when 23 inmates received Christ at the end of her first sermon in the prison chapel. Jeannine requested permission to implement a Bible College in the Bellavista Prison, a prison that had become a violent environment with 50 to 60 murders a month, and earning the nickname ‘the Jaws of Hell.” The leadership of this prison ministry is now composed of ex-prisoners and prisoners themselves who witness to, teach, and mentor other inmates. Jeannine has persevered for two decades, bringing many of the vilest criminals into changed lives by their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sister Helen Prejean – 2008

Sister Helen Prejean, member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille in New Orleans, Louisiana, In 1981 she dedicated her life to the poor of New Orleans, Louisiana and began working prison ministry. While living in the St. Thomas housing project she became pen pals with Patrick Sonnier, the convicted killer of two teenagers who was sentenced to die in the electric chair. Upon Sonnier’s request, Sister Helen visited him often as his spiritual advisor. In doing so, she became aware of the execution process in the state of Louisiana. She turned her experiences into a book that not only made the 1994 American Library Associates Notable Book List, but was also nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1993. Dead Man Walking: an Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States was number one on the New York Times Best Seller list for 31 weeks. In 1996 the book was developed into a major motion picture which received four Academy Award nominations. She educates the public about the death penalty through her lectures and writings and founded “Survive,” a victim’s advocacy group in New Orleans.

Rev. Harold Good – 2007

Honored for his lifetime commitment to peace, justice and reconciliation in his native Northern Ireland, Rev. Harold Good exhibits great physical and spiritual courage in his ministry. As a peacemaker, he has brought together groups from both the Protestant/Unionist and the Catholic/Nationalist communities, forming friendships which built a foundation that played a major role in conflict resolution. As a trusted and respected leader he was asked to be one of two witnesses to the decommissioning of weapons from both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland and played a major role in the unlocking of the political impasse.

His Eminence Sunday Mbang – 2006

As the second Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, the leadership of His Eminence Sunday Mbang is marked by his leadership in peace and unity within his own Church, through the ministries of the World Methodist Council, and through his involvement in ecumenical and interfaith affairs in both his native Nigeria and throughout Africa. His experience and skills as a peacemaker placed him in positions of leadership and significant responsibility within the world Methodist/Wesleyan family. The World Methodist Council became involved in settling disputes within churches, and the Council's prophetic voice for peace, justice and reconciliation were strengthened significantly under Mbang's leadership. He was honored for his lifetime example as a man of peace, his uncompromising commitment to principle, his desire to see the Church give leadership in peacemaking, and his commitment to living in peace with both Christians and persons of other faiths.

Lawi Imathiu – 2005

Christian leader, statesman, and pioneer in education Lawi Imathiu was selected to receive the World Methodist Peace Award for 2005. As a pastor, District Superintendent, President and first Bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya, he saw Methodism grow from 8,000 members in 1970 to over 225,000 members in 2000. In 1974 Lawi Imathiu was nominated as a Member of Parliament of the new nation of Kenya. The only clergy person nominated by the President to Parliament, he served for five years. He has been a strong advocate for peace, justice and reconciliation in his country and around the world. As President of the World Methodist Council, Lawi led a delegation to meet with President Botha of South Africa, delivering the Council’s resolution calling for an end to apartheid and the release of imprisoned Nelson Mandela. A visionary leader in his beloved Kenya, Lawi was the planner and founder of Kenya Methodist University.

Millard Fuller and Habitat for Humanity International –2004

Millard Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International when he and his wife Linda searched for a new focus in their lives in 1968. They moved to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and took with them principles of partnership housing which they learned through Koinonia Farms, GA, USA. The result was an international organization that operates in over 100 countries worldwide and has built over 200,000 homes, providing affordable housing for over 1,000,000 persons. Habitat homes are built with volunteer labor which joins Habitat’s vision to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization that brings together persons of all backgrounds in the ministry of building homes.

Casimira Rodriguez – 2003

Casimira Rodriguez began working as a domestic worker at the age of 12. Her employers took advantage of her, refusing her visits with her family and failing to pay wages she earned. Through the help of her Methodist Church, she took literacy classes where she met others in similar abusive situations. She began to work with other domestic workers and formed support groups which became a union for domestic workers. She personally collected over 15,000 signatures to introduce a bill into the Bolivian Parliament granting rights and status to domestic workers. The bill became law ten years later and gained international support for the plight of a class of workers previously ignored. For her courage and consistency in the area of human rights, peace and reconciliation, she received the Award in 2003.

Boris Trajkovski – 2002

A Methodist lay preacher, Chairperson of the Church Council of the United Methodist Church in his homeland, and President of that land, the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski was honored for his role as a peacemaker in Eastern Europe. Tension during the Kosovo crisis, nearly 300,000 refugees entered Macedonia and a potential civil war was averted under his leadership and stability prevailed. He died in a tragic plane crash in Bosnia 17 months after receiving the Peace Award, leaving a legacy as a dedicated Christian man of peace.

Joe Hale – 2001

As General Secretary of the World Methodist Council for twenty-five years, Joe Hale worked to ensure the voice of the Church was heard in opposition to apartheid, in endeavoring to reconcile national churches in conflict, and in promoting peace with justice in the Middle East. Dr. Hale, in receiving the award, made mention of the previous recipients, receiving the honor in recognition of the idea that all of us can be peacemakers. He is widely known for his concerns over the Middle East and the dream of a permanent peace in that troubled region of the world.

Nelson Mandela – 2000

For his single-minded commitment to peace and reconciliation, and for staying true to his vision of a free and democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela received the award in 2000. His life has been dedicated to the struggle of the African people. He fought against white domination, and also against black domination. His ideal has been for a society where people live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal for which he has always been prepared to die. No one person in the latter half of the 20th century is more widely known as a symbol of freedom, justice, peace and reconciliation than Nelson Mandela.

Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo – 1999

The first awarding of the World Methodist Peace Award in Latin America occurred in 1999 when the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina were awarded the honor. From 1976 to 1983 actions taken by the government resulted in the disappearance of 10,000 persons, including 500 children, some less than a year old. The movement started with mothers and grandmothers searching for their children who had disappeared. They began to walk around the Plaza de Mayo in front of the Government Palace to protest the violence and deaths occurring in their country. They appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Commission in both New York and Geneva in their effort to learn of the fate of children and bring global attention to the tragedies that were occurring.

The Community of St. Egidio – 1997

In 1968 a group of Catholic students and young professionals in Rome made a commitment from their Christian faith to serve their society. Andrea Riccardi, the youngest person ever to occupy the The Chair in Christian History at Rome University, framed the servant vision and formed the Community of St. Egidio. They pledged to care for all members of God’s creation through expressions of concern that make for peace. The Community brokered the peace agreement in Mozambique. Today they actively seek to repeal the death penalty worldwide, actively praying for and communicating with every death-row prisoner worldwide. The Community brings inter-faith leaders together regularly for discussions leading to mutual understandings and peace in the world.

Stanley Mogoba – 1996

Once imprisoned alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island off of Cape Town, South Africa for his anti-apartheid activities, Stanley Mogoba became a Christian while imprisoned and later became the presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. He was cited for his belief in never invoking violence and for his work in the area of reconciliation in South Africa. He was instrumental in helping the World Council of Churches establish a “program to overcome violence.” He was one of the first leaders in South Africa prior to the end of apartheid to call for an end to hostilities through negotiations.

Father Elias Chacour – 1994

A Palestinian Israeli citizen from Galilee founded the Prophet Elias Community College and called Palestinians and Israelis to live together as neighbors. Father Elias Chacour saw his boyhood home destroyed by bulldozers and explosives, land that for centuries had belonged to his family, yet he remembered being taught by his parents that every person is a child of God. He grew up believing that forgiveness alone brings healing and peace. World leaders have traveled to meet him and learn of his emphasis on peace with justice. He stands for reconciliation in the Church and throughout the world.

Zdravko Beslov – 1992

Appointed as pastor of the Methodist Church in Sofia, Bulgaria, Zdravko Beslov’s opposition to the communist regime brought a swift response and he was confined to prison and work camps for 14 years. He believed in living for truth, and was responsible for the stability of his congregation for over forty years, refusing to waiver in his convictions and his belief that the church would survive and people who were cast against each other would be reconciled. He was instrumental in securing official state recognition of the Methodist Church in Bulgaria. While pursuing this goal, he met face-to-face with his persecutors, saying “I do not want them to be punished nor to be treated as I was treated.”

Barbel Bohley – 1991

Born in Berlin, Barbel Bohley grew up among the ruins of a city devastated by war. She became an advocate for the cause of peace and the struggle for freedom. An artist, she sold her works to aid families of political prisoners. Because of her opposition to the production and storing of arms, and opposing her country’s conscription laws, she was forced to give up her membership in the Federation of Berlin’s Fine Artists, and arrested. Her acts of opposition predated the changes in German society by more than a decade. She contributed to the birth of a new freedom in modern times.

Mikhail Gorbachev – 1990

For his creativity as a catalyst influencing massive global changes through new international initiatives, including the introduction of “glasnost” to the world, and for his work to free religious bodies in the U.S.S.R. from laws restricting the free exercise of religion, Mikhail Gorbachev became the third non-Methodist to receive the Peace Award. He reinforced persuasively the notion that dialogue is always preferable to war. He was cited for his contributions to human understanding, international stability and a changed world.

Gordon Wilson – 1988

A Methodist layman from Northern Ireland, Gordon Wilson demonstrated peace and reconciliation in the face of personal tragedy. In the “Remembrance Day” bombing on November 8, 1987 in Northern Ireland, Gordon and his nurse-in-training daughter were buried under mounds of boulders from the bombing. His daughter died as a result of the blast. Wilson received worldwide attention for his televised story in which he bore no bitterness to the perpetrators. He lived and practiced the rule that “love is greater than hate.” He lived to dispel hatred in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.

Bert Bissell –1987

Hours after the announcement of the end of World War II, British layperson Bert Bissell and 33 youth from his Church Bible class took stones from the summit of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, to build a Cairn (rock monument) as a tribute to the fallen and an appeal for the perpetuity of peace. It was the first memorial in the UK and remains the highest such memorial in that nation. In succeeding years, the climb up Ben Nevis with Bert Bissell and the Cairn became an international peace memorial. He developed a special friendship with the people of Hiroshima, Japan. He led a Bible Class in his Church for over 62 years. His class produced more Methodist ministers than any group of its kind in the British Methodist Church. He was honored for his remarkably consistent devotion to reconciliation.

Judge Woodrow Seals –1987

Sir Alan and Lady Winifred Walker – 1986

An Australian couple who shared a lifetime of ministry which emphasized moral and spiritual transformation and reconciliation, Sir Alan and Lady Winifred Walker worked as evangelists and emissaries of peace on six continents. Alan Walker believed that the greatest cause of war was that people believed in war. He noted that until slavery as an institution was rejected, slavery remained. He preached that peace would not come as long as the world accepted war as a means of settling human conflict.

Jimmy Carter – 1985

Hailed as “an instrument of peace,” former United States President Jimmy Carter was the first American to receive the award. In accepting the award, he called on his country to be a champion of peace and human rights. He was cited for his leadership in the return of the Panama Canal to Panama, the SALT II agreement, the Camp David Accord between Israel and Egypt, and his post-Presidency efforts in reducing conflict in the world, lifting the plight of the poor, and to promote understanding among all people.

Dr. Tai-Young Lee – 1984

A third-generation Methodist lay woman and attorney, Dr. Tai-Young Lee campaigned for more than 30 years for the restoration of democracy in her native Korea. A staunch advocate for the rights of the poor, she worked to establish human rights in her homeland. Dr. Lee credited her mother and grandmother for teaching her what it meant to be a Christian woman in Korea. She believed in reconciliation and human rights for all, using her training and talents in these areas.

Kenneth Mew – 1982

As a layperson, chemical engineer Kenneth Mew of Zimbabwe left to become principal of the Ranche House College, formerly Zimbabwe College, during a troubled time in its history. Encouraged by the possibilities of the assignment, the situation turned dark as a new government came to power in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), isolating the country from much of the world. The aims of Ranche House College, under Mew’s leadership, were that confrontation need not be the last word and more constructive forces could play a role in shaping the country’s destiny. Ranche House College, under Mew’s leadership, became a neutral ground for mediation, negotiation and confidential and exploratory talks. His influence was significant in extinguishing fires of hatred. Ranche House became a training center for diplomats.

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