WARC congratulates Obama on Nobel Peace Prize

“This is the right choice”, Nyomi writes. “We thank God for the wisdom you continue to exhibit in navigating the complex issues of your nation and of the world - seeking peace, seeking justice and seeking the welfare of all.”

In recognizing Obama’s association with the United Church of Christ, Nyomi notes the church is a member of WARC and committed to “a social and economic justice agenda aimed at establishing conditions for sustainable peace in communities and countries worldwide”.

Nyomi’s congratulations join those of other religious leaders following the surprise selection of Obama for the award.

The full text of the letter follows.

Mr. President,

On behalf of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, it gives me great pleasure to offer you our congratulations for having been named the 2009 Nobel Peace Price laureate. This is the right choice. We thank God for the wisdom you continue to exhibit in navigating the complex issues of your nation and of the world—seeking peace, seeking justice and seeking the welfare of all.

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) is a global network of Presbyterian, Reformed, Waldensian, Uniting and United Churches in 107 countries representing an estimated 75 million Christians. Your own denomination, the United Church of Christ, is a member and through WARC joins with other churches in actively pursuing a social and economic justice agenda aimed at establishing conditions for sustainable peace in communities and countries worldwide.

In celebrating your award, WARC recognizes the challenges which will confront you throughout your mandate as President of the United States of America. You are in the prayers of the ecumenical movement in your work of peace and reconciliation.

May the blessings of God’s grace attend you each and every day.

Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi

General Secretary

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches