11 October 2019
It has been announced that Past President of the Methodist Conference Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal is to receive the World Methodist Council Peace Award for 2018. The annual award goes to individuals or groups “who have made significant contributions to peace, reconciliation and justice.”
Inderjit, now a supernumerary minister in the Sheffield circuit, has been a tireless supporter of refugees and has worked to foster interfaith relations and multicultural communities, peace and reconciliation. One of the peace-related movements initiated by Inderjit was City of Sanctuary, a grassroots, movement to build cultures of welcome, hospitality and safety for asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable people. Inderjit is president of the Methodist Peace Fellowship.
The citation of the award describes Inderjit as a “central figure” in inter-faith relations in Britain and Ireland.
On hearing news of the award, Inderjit commented: “I am surprised but deeply honoured. My whole life has been inspired by people around the world who have held up the witness to peace-making, challenging war, violence and killing. I am more persuaded than ever that non-violent resolution of conflict is the way forward at all levels and in all human relationships.
“The most challenging issue facing human beings is how to live with those who are different from you.”
The public presentation of the award will be made on 27 March 2020 in London.