Bruce Kent receives Coventry International Peace Prize

Bruce Kent with Mayor Jack Harrison and Bishop of Warwick

The 2009 Coventry International Price for Peace and Reconciliation was awarded to Bruce Kent, former Chair of CND and vice-president of Pax Christi on Saturday 14 November in Coventry Cathedral. The ceremony takes place each year on the anniversary of the bombing of the City and Cathedral. This year marked the 69th anniversary.

The prize is awarded by Coventry Cathedral in partnership with the Lord Mayor’s office and previous winners of the prize have included the Corrymeela Community from Northern Ireland, local peace worker Dr Madeleine Sharpe MBE and Ayatollah Hussein Al Sadr an Islamic leader who has worked tirelessly for peace in Iraq.

Canon David Porter, Director of Reconciliation Ministry at the Cathedral, said: “We are thrilled that Dr Bruce Kent has agreed to accept this honour. He has been a campaigner and activist for peace for more than 50 years and has influenced whole generations in their understanding of the terror of war and the urgency of peace.”

As a popular and tireless speaker and broadcaster, Bruce Kent has made a significant contribution to public education about international issues. His main concern has been to encourage people – especially the young - to exercise their democratic right as global citizens to influence policy. He consistently offers a perspective based on moral principles, international law, and support for the United Nations. His work is based on the belief that human beings can create a world in which war will become obsolete.

Coventry, the City of Peace and Reconciliation, welcomes Dr Kent to receive the Coventry International Peace Prize as grateful recognition of a lifetime devoted to campaigning for peace, justice and human rights."