Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane, is to receive the annual Peacemaker award from the Commission on Peace of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington today (Monday 6 November).

The Commission on Peace was founded in 1982 by the Bishop of Washington, John Walker, to increase the activity and the voice of the Diocese of Washington in promoting peace, both in the USA and internationally. The late Bishop Walker was the first African-American Episcopalian Bishop of Washington and he developed a close relationship with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in support of the struggle against apartheid. Archbishop Tutu was one of the previous recipients of this award. Bishop Walker's widow will be guest of honour at the dinner at which the award is presented.

The Commission on Peace gives this award annually to a distinguished leader in public life for work in advancing the cause of peace, justice and reconciliation.

On Saturday November 4 Archbishop Ndungane took part in the investiture of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, as twenty-sixth Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, at Washington National Cathedral. This was an historic event as Bishop Schori is the first woman elected to lead one of the member churches of the worldwide Anglican Church.

Archbishop Ndungane has expressed his delight in the appointment.

"I am aware that the new Presiding Bishop is taking up her new position at a most challenging time in our church and in the world but I know that the God who calls us is also the God who equips us," he said. He has assured Schori of his prayers and wholehearted support.

For further information, please contact Penny Lorimer, Media Liaison for Archbishop Ndungane, on +27 82 894-1522.