Canon Andrew White awarded International First Freedom Award

Canon Andrew White - Photo Reuters/Oleg Popov

To be considered a worthy recipient and to stand alongside such venerable past beneficiaries – me, a priest in downtown Baghdad – is just a wonderful honor. — Canon Andrew White

Canon Andrew White has been named as this year’s recipient of the prestigious International First Freedom Award for his extraordinary commitment to peace-keeping and religious freedom in Iraq.

The award was announced by the First Freedom Center, an American institute that seeks to advance freedom of religion and conscience.

President of the center Ambassador Randolph Bell said:

“We are proud to name Canon White the winner of the International First Freedom Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the advancement of religious freedom – the freedom of conscience.

“The judging committee unanimously selected him because of all he has done to advance religious freedom; his longstanding and highly effective commitment to this fundamental human right.”

Canon White will be presented with the award in Virginia in January 2012.

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Tags: Andrew White, Canon Andrew White, First Freedom Award, Iraq, Middle East, Vicar of Baghdad