Bishop Macedo receives nomination for the
2009 Nobel Peace Prize

At the beginning of June, Bishop Edir Macedo, spiritual leader of the UCKG HelpCentre, received the title, Agent of World Peace, during the Jerusalem International Conference. This award is given only to people who dedicate their lives to fighting violence and helping others. Bishop Macedo received the title in recognition for his missionary work carried out worldwide, which promotes the rescue of dignity and social re-integration as well as the restoration of families.

The event was organised by AMISRAEL - The Messenger of Peace, a non-governmental organisation which promotes peace among the nations in more than 16 countries. The organisation has the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Exterior Relations and the Parliament of Israel.

“An Agent of World Peace is someone whose positive influence goes beyond his nation’s boundaries. Bishop Macedo has been an example of love for others; his spiritual and social work has benefited many people all over the world. His attitudes reveal his desire to promote peace and the exercise of love,” said Erlix Estevez Loayza, AMISRAEL delegate.

The Nomination - Brazil-Israel political party, presided by Jodenir Soares, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, nominated Bishop Edir Macedo for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. “The nomination is in recognition for the work he has done for 31 years since the foundation of the UCKG. He has promoted peace by establishing the church and spreading the Gospel of the Lord Jesus in over 170 countries. Bishop Macedo is one of the few Brazilians whose work stands out worldwide. In light of this, we are organising a movement among the members of Parliament and collecting signatures to have him nominated,” said Jodenir.

The founder of the UCKG has organised many events against violence. In 2007, there were simultaneous gatherings in many Brazilian states in order to promote peace. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, there was the Vigil for Peace, where two million people gathered together at Botafogo Beach. Among those who participated in the event, were people who directly or indirectly were victims of violence.

Another outstanding work has being carried out in the African continent. The UCKG has organised campaigns against AIDS, distributing preservatives, teaching and answering their questions.

Overcoming the Battles and Obstacles - The UCKG HelpCentre has turned 31 years old this month. It all began in a modest public square in Meier, a borough situated in the north of Rio de Janeiro. The church opened officially on 9 July 1977, and the meetings were held in a former funeral place in the borough of Abolição. Today, the church has temples all over the world, and is recognised for its innumerable achievements; the most recent was the creation of the Jerusalem Cultural Centre, situated at the World Cathedral of Faith, in Rio de Janeiro.The Centre opens daily and is proud to display a maquette of the Holy Land, portraying its topography and architecture during the year 66 BC.

When looking at the achievement of the UCKG and then thinking about the persecution and injustice endured, one can conclude, that God is faithful to those who are faithful. It has not been an easy battle, nor has it come to a halt, but the victories stand as evidence in the One who is preached - Jesus.

About the Nobel Peace Prize - The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. According to Nobel’s will, The Peace Prize is to be awarded, “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”

People who have received the Nobel Peace Prize

2001 - Kofi Annan, former Secretary- General of the United Nations.		1993 - Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa		1990 - Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union