wfn.org | Bishops receive awards for humanitarian efforts

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

July 8, 2002 News media contact: Kathy Gilbert7(615) 742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.   10-71BP{288}

NOTE: Head-and-shoulders photographs of Bishops Marion Edwards and Ray
Chamberlain are available at http://umns.umc.org/photos/headshots.html
online.

RALEIGH, N.C. (UMNS) - United Methodist Bishops Marion Edwards and Ray
Chamberlain have received the first leadership awards from Stop Hunger Now
for their response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. 

Edwards was presented his award during the North Carolina Annual Conference
in Fayetteville, N.C., June 9. Chamberlain received his award during the
Holston Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C., June 11.

The honors are significant because they represent the first leadership
awards given by Stop Hunger Now, said the Rev. Ray Buchanan, a United
Methodist clergyman and president of the Raleigh-based organization. It is
also significant that both awards were presented to United Methodist
bishops, he said.

"If hunger is going to be eliminated in our lifetime, the church will play a
crucial role in making it happen," Buchanan said. "Bishop Edwards and Bishop
Chamberlain both demonstrated the kind of leadership that saves lives."

The North Carolina Conference collected more than 142,000 blankets and
donated more than $150,000 for food, medicine and shipping costs. The
Holston Conference collected between 100,000 and 150,000 pairs of shoes.
Together, the efforts of these two conferences have provided more than $2.5
million in aid for Afghanistan.

Stop Hunger Now receives support as a general Advance project of the United
Methodist Church. Contributions may be made through local churches by
designating them for Advance No. 982795-6. More details are available by
contacting Stop Hunger Now at (888) 501-8440 or info@stophungernow.org, or
by visiting www.stophungernow.org online.
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United Methodist News Service
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