wfn.org | UMNS# 04478-Habitat founder to receive World Methodist Peace

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Habitat founder to receive World Methodist Peace Award 

Oct. 14, 2004	 News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470* 
Nashville {04478}

NOTE: Additional resources are available at
http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=2&mid=5849.

By United Methodist News Service

Millard Fuller, president and founder of Habitat for Humanity International,
will receive the 2004 World Methodist Peace Award.

The award, given annually since 1977 by the World Methodist Council, will be
presented to Fuller Dec. 8, at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the
campus of Emory University in Atlanta.

"In bringing together persons regardless of their religious preference or
background to work side-by-side to eliminate poverty housing, Habitat for
Humanity International promotes peace, reconciliation and justice," said the
Rev. George Freeman, top executive of the World Methodist Council. His
Eminence Sunday Mbang, chairperson of the World Methodist Council and Prelate
of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, will present the award.

Habitat for Humanity began 27 years ago when Fuller, a successful attorney in
Americus, Ga., and his wife Linda, left their millionaire lifestyle and
rededicated their lives to serving God.  

Habitat for Humanity operates in 100 countries around the world.  In 2005 the
200,000th Habitat house will be completed. At that time more than 1,000,000
people will live in housing made possible by volunteers dedicated to
eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. 

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization that brings
together people of all backgrounds in the ministry of building. 

The Peace Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made
significant contributions to peace, reconciliation and justice. Courage,
creativity and consistency are values that are considered when presenting the
World Methodist Peace, Freeman said.

Previous recipients of the World Methodist Peace Award include: Nelson
Mandela; Jimmy Carter; Boris Trajkovski, former President of Macedonia; the
Community of St. Egidio in Rome; and the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo in
Argentina.

The World Methodist Council is a Christian World Communion that comprises 76
member denominations in 132 countries, representing ministries that involve
75 million people worldwide. The World Methodist Peace Award is the highest
honor bestowed by the people called Methodist around the world. 

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

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United Methodist News Service