Document
The World Council of Churches sends its hearty congratulations to Mr Muhammad
Yunus for the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2006.
Mr Yunus, an economist and banker from Bangladesh, is the founder of Grameen
Bank and made himself known internationally by making loans available to small
entrepreneurs who were too poor to qualify for loans through the traditional banking
system. The Grameen model of microfinancing was successfully adopted by
other countries of the South, bringing relief to small businesses.
The award to Mr Yunus is not only a recognition of his creative genius in promoting
his concept of microcredit but also testifies to the fact that genuine economic
and social development has to grow from below if it is to be accessible for
the people. The efforts and hard work put in by Mr Muhammad Yunus is bringing
hope to the poor and economically and socially marginalized. His pursuits
are in keeping with the aims and purposes of the ecumenical movement. Two ecumenical
initiatives whose roots lie in the "social gospel" of the World Council of
Churches and operate on similar principles as the Grameen Bank are Oikocredit
and the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund (ECLOF).
The World Council of Churches, through its programme activities on economic
justice, contributes to this enhancement of life by improving people's economic
welfare by broadening opportunities and solidarity linkages and for enrichment
of life through the deepening of people's spirituality and the upholding of just
and sustainable communities.
The award of the Nobel Prize for Peace to Mr Muhammad Yunus gives the Council
an opportunity to thank him in his painstaking endeavours to give hope to people's
aspirations. The World Council of Churches wishes him well in his future
as he continues to serve the needy and deserving millions in our societies.
