updated May 12, 2003
Press Release
Contact: Kendra Friend, Public
Relations
Phone: (816) 521-3041
Jean Vanier - Person of Faith, Words, and Action
Founder of L’Arche to be honored with
International Peace
Award
Jean Vanier will be the tenth recipient of the Community of Christ
International Peace Award to be presented in a ceremony at 6:45 p.m.,
Wednesday, June 11, at the Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River,
Independence, Missouri. All are invited to attend this free event. For
additional information visit www.CofChrist.org/peaceaward.
Vanier founded L’Arche, an international, ecumenical community movement
for people with developmental disabilities. A French Canadian who has resided
in France for most of his adult life, Vanier’s life and writings are a
powerful witness of how we can learn from the weak and vulnerable members of
society and create a just and healing community for all.
During the Community of Christ International Peace Award ceremony, Vanier
will speak on "The Weak Can Be a sign of Hope." The award carries with it
presentation of a unique peace sculpture and a $26,500 donation of for the
charity of the recipient’s choice. A book signing will follow. Special
accommodations for those with wheelchairs are available. This service will be
broadcast live via satellite across North America and on the Web at www.CofChrist.org/worship.
The Community of Christ International Peace Award was first given in 1993.
In terms of cash value, the award has been placed among the top 20
international, non-governmental peace awards in the world (in a list topped by
the Nobel Peace Prize) and among the top seven in the United States.1
Recipients represent diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, and faith--Vanier
will be the second Catholic recipient. This award has also been presented to
more women than men at a seven to three ratio. The Community of Christ
International Peace Award honor roll includes Ela Gandhi, Swanee G. Hunt, John
Paul Lederach, Jane Goodall, Marie Fortune, Juan M. Flavier, Marian Wright
Edelman, M. Scott Peck and Lily Peck, and Jehan Sadat.
Jean Vanier will also speak publicly on Tuesday, June 10. Call (816)
833-1000, ext. 1356, or e-mail peace@CofChrist.org
for information about required registration:
- 10 a.m. at Pierson Auditorium, University of Missouri, Kansas City-Vanier
will speak to professionals, board members, and volunteers who work in
social services, health care, and education on the topic, The Deeper Side
of Developmental Disabilities. Cost is $15 and registration is
required. A certificate of attendance for continuing
education credit can be requested.
- 5 p.m. Vanier will speak on Discerning Your Calling… and have pizza
with young adults of all faiths or none at Community of Christ Stone
Church, 1012 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, Missouri. Cost is $5
and registration is required.
- Brochure and registration form
for June 10 talks by Jean Vanier. (Requires Adobe
Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher. free
download)
1. Peter van den Dungen, "Peace Prizes,"
Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict, Volume 2, 1999, pages 795-808.
