ATLANTA-Thursday, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize from Morehouse University of Atlanta.
The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., the dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, read a citation and presented Pres. Nelson with this award in a pre-recorded broadcast played at an award ceremony at this chapel during the WorldHouse Interfaith and Interdenominational Assembly.
An overflow audience of more than 2,200 attended the ceremony.
Carter stated Pres. Nelson continues the legacy of Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the Salt Lake City-based faith, who advocated for the freedom of enslaved Africans during his life.
Carter presented Pres. Nelson with a crystal obelisk representing a shaft of light and the power of God. At its base are three phrases from Scripture:
“Let There Be Light”
“And There Was Light”
“And The Light Was Good.”
Pres. Nelson told Carter these were his favorite Scriptures.
Pres. Nelson shared segments of his acceptance speech on his Twitter account Thursday.
I was privileged to be the recipient of the Morehouse College inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize this evening. I was unable to travel to Atlanta to be at the ceremony, but I recorded a short message that was shown at the event. I have included part of my video message… pic.twitter.com/mAlYOimbOq
— Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) April 14, 2023
During his presidency (2018-present), Pres. Nelson has reached out to people of all nationalities and races, stating they are all children of God.
