Community of Christ International Peace Award
2002 Recipient - Ela Gandhi
Ela Gandhi received the Community of Christ International Peace Award
during the church's 2002 World Conference in Independence, Missouri, on
Friday, April 12, before an audience of more than 4,000 from all over the
world. Members of the public were invited to attend the ceremony at the
Community of Christ Auditorium on River and Walnut in Independence, Missouri.
Ela Gandhi received the award for her nonviolent commitment to overthrow
apartheid in South Africa, her passion for working to overcome poverty and
assist the vulnerable, and her work to build understanding among world
religions. Ms. Gandhi gave the keynote address and was presented with a bronze
peace sculpture and $26,500 from the Guy Bromley Trust, Bank of America, to be
given to the charities of her choice. The Community of Christ International
Peace Award is among the top seven peace awards in the United States and the
top 20 in the world.
Other highlights of Ms. Gandhi's stay in the Kansas City area included a
visit to James Bridger 8th Grade Center in Independence; a luncheon at Central
Exchange where she spoke about her work on behalf of women; and a reception
and speech focusing on her work for peace and justice in South Africa and the
United Nations World Conference on Religion and Peace hosted by NCCJ, CRES,
and Kansas City Harmony. She was also honored in a brief ceremony by the Mayor
and Council of Kansas City.
