News
Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land was named a recipient of the Niwano Peace Prize for his work toward interreligious dialogue among Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Jerusalem and worldwide.
Younan, who is also president of the Lutheran World Federation, is the 34th recipient of the award, given yearly by the Niwano Peace Foundation (NPF) of Japan to recognize an individual or organization that has dedicated their service and scholarship to promoting peaceful cooperation among religions, particularly in places of difficulty.
Among other accomplishments, Younan’s strong witness for interfaith harmony, equal dignity and respect for all people, nonviolence, and a just peace between Israel and Palestine are being recognized.
A ceremony for Younan will take place in Tokyo, Japan on 27 July.
“In a world characterized by leaders who seek to emphasize difference and hatred, Bishop Younan has consistently strived for the opposite. His work emphasizes peace over power and unity over monotheistic domination,” the NPF International Committee wrote, noting his cultural work in the Middle East and globally of fostering and participating in interfaith dialogue with Jerusalem’s three Abrahamic faith leaders and their communities despite historic tensions among the groups.
He has also been instrumental in leading support of justice and peace in many other areas, including water and gender justice, and is a founding member of several Middle East interfaith groups.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land news release of 20 Feb. “Bishop Younan 2017 Niwano Peace Award Recipient”
An encouragement for peace-building: LWF President Younan to receive the 34th Niwano Peace Prize (LWF press release of 20 February 2017)
