An honorary fellowship was awarded to Gerald and Judith Henderson at Liverpool Hope University, for their combined contributions to peace and reconciliation through their lifelong work internationally with Initiatives of Change and for their local work in Hope in the Cities and Asylum Link Merseyside. The award ceremony was held on 28 January, 2009.
The Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Gerald Pillay, welcoming guests, including the Lord Mayor, the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff, said: 'Today we continue our tradition of recognizing individuals who exemplify the true meaning of living the values of Hope in society by awarding Fellowships to a Liverpool couple, Gerald and Judith Henderson, who have dedicated their lives to serving communities here and abroad for many decades. They have also worked in the reconciliation of groups in conflict in the Hope in the Cities programme and have helped in caring for asylum seekers in Merseyside. They have been unpretentious but determined advocates on behalf of the socially disinhereited in the city.'
The brochure available as the occasion described the Hendersons as follows:
'Gerald and Judith have worked with Initiatives of Change (formerly Moral Re-Armament) for many years. Gerald spent 16 years working in Africa where, amongst other things, he worked with the police in an effort to challenge corruption. He met Judith and married her in a very short space of time then, since returning to the UK, they have worked together for Initiatives of Change and to foster community race relations...'
'Gerald and Judith have been involved in Faith in the City which stands for dialogue between people, and also in the Black Leadership Forum where they have worked with members of the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and large-scale employers on Merseyside. Judith has also worked for Asylum Link Merseyside for many years. Apart from physical support, she regularly speaks to local church congregations about the plight of asylum seekers on Merseyside. The couple regularly welcome asylum seekers to their home.'
'Gerald and Judith are honoured today for their combined and joint contributions to peace and reconciliation through their lifelong work internationally with Initiatives of Change and for their local work in Faith in the City and Asylum Link Merseyside'.
Richard Down, writing in The Liverpool Post on 23 January, reported the forthcoming award.
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