WCC Executive Committee member honoured in the US

 

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, legate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and a member of the World Council of Churches Central and Executive Committees, has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honour.

 

 

Established in 1986 by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), the Ellis Island Medal of Honour recognizes the many ethnic groups that contribute to the United States' rich diversity. Past awardees include six US presidents, a number of Nobel Prize winners, and various religious leaders.

 

"This is recognition of your personal commitment to the ideals of pluralism and democracy in the society, peace and reconciliation among peoples, churches' unity and common witness," WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia wrote in a congratulatory letter on 15 May.

 

Archbishop Vicken is also president of the National Council of Churches USA.

 

Full text of the letter by the WCC general secretary

 

Press release by the Armenian Church of America

 

Biography of Archbishop Vicken on the NCCUSA website

 

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