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The Freedom of Worship Award was presented to theologian Dr Bernardus Alfrink in 1986. Because he had poor health, Alfrink could not receive the award himself. Therefore, Bishop H.C.A. Ernst of the Breda/Zeeland diocese accepted the award on Alfrink's behalf. The award Alfrink awarded for his convincing and decisive leadership of the international peace movement Pax Christi.

Freedom of Worship Award
Bernardus Alfrink
Bernardus Alfrink

More about Alfrink

Dr Bernardus Johannes Alfrink was born in 1900 in Nijkerk, the Netherlands. Appointed cardinal by Pope John XXIII in 1960, Alfrink was given a powerful leadership role in the Second Vatican Council. He also served as president of Pax Christi, an international Roman Catholic peace movement. In 1995, Alfrink became archbishop of Utrecht and metropolitan of the Dutch church province. He told others that the continued existence of civilisation depends on our commitment to peace. In addition, he believed that the ideals of Christian love are the shield against violence and despair. Alfrink died in 1987 in Nieuwegein.

Positions and articles

Alfrink held the following positions:

  • Priest (1924)
  • Chaplain in Maarssen (1930)
  • Titular archbishop of Tyana and archbishop-coadjutor of Cardinal de Jong (1951)
  • Archbishop of the archdiocese of Utrecht (1955)
  • Cardinal-priest of San Gioacchino (1957)
  • Member of the Presidium of the Second Vatican Council (1962)
  • President of Pax Christi (1964)

He wrote the book Peace is More, 1973 (at Baarn)

Other laureates from 1986

Alessandro Pertini
Alessandro Pertini
International Four Freedoms Award

Alessandro Pertini

El Pais
El Pais
Freedom of Speech Award

El Pais

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Bradford Morse
Bradford Morse
Freedom from Want Award

Bradford Morse

Olof Palme
Olof Palme
Freedom from Fear Award

Olof Palme