Distinguished ministry awards

Two respected Anglicans, one a priest of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and another closely associated, have been recognised in this year’s Lambeth Awards for outstanding contributions to the Church and wider society, announced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Mr John Clark, Chairman of the Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust (JEMT) and also a Director of the Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association (JMECA), was awarded the Cross of St Augustine—one of the highest awards for members of the Anglican Communion—for “an outstanding and selfless contribution to the life and witness of churches of the Anglican Communion, especially in the Middle East and specifically Iran, over 50 years”.

In addition to his roles at JMECA and at JEMT, which provides significant support to all dioceses of our Province, Mr Clark is a long-time friend of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and takes a prominent part in the Iran Diocesan Association.

Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler, senior priest at the Epiphany Qatar, was awarded the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation for “his distinct and exceptional contribution in using the arts for interreligious peacebuilding around the world”.

Canon Chandler is the founder of CARAVAN, a non-profit initiative that organises international art exhibitions to strengthen ties between cultures and religions.

“This is the fifth year of the Lambeth Awards, and I am constantly impressed and humbled by the work that recipients have accomplished, sometimes in the most challenging circumstances,” said Archbishop Justin. “Not all are followers of Jesus Christ, but all contribute through their faith to the mutual respect and maintenance of human dignity which are so vital to spiritual and social health.”

Archbishop Michael offered his heartfelt congratulations, saying, “We are deeply grateful for the gifts Paul-Gordon and John bring to our Province, and hugely proud of the respect their work inspires.”

The award ceremony, usually held at Lambeth Palace in London, has been held over because of COVID-19.

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