Yesterday saw the announcement of the latest winner of the prestigious Templeton Prize, a £1.1m award that celebrates what its founder called 'marvellous new things going on in religion'.
Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga was honoured for his work in transforming the field of academic philosophy, where 'God' was previously thought unwelcome.
Established in 1972, the prize honours those who have 'made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical works'. Its previous recipient include various icons of the past century, from various traditions and parts of the world. Here are seven of them.
Mother Teresa (1973)
The first winner of the award was the Roman Catholic nun who would one day be canonized as a saint. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was honoured, six years before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, for her sacrificial witness and charity, devoting her life to serving the deprived children in Calcutta and across the world. She continues to be an inspiration to millions.
Brother Roger (1974)
Brother Roger founded the ecumenical monastic brotherhood known as Taizé Community in France in 1940. He lived in service of the community's poor until he was murdered in 2005. 'Taizé' lives on, with over 100,000 young people visiting every year. He once said: 'A simple prayer, is like a soft sighing, like a child's prayer, keeps us alert. Has not God revealed to those who are little, to Christ's poor, what the powerful of this world have so much trouble understanding?'
Billy Graham (1982)
There may be no one better known in the evangelical Christian world then Billy Graham. As the Templeton website writes: Graham 'took his message of Christianity into the electronic world of radio and television, invigorating an entire generation with a simple and poignant message of salvation'. Through his dynamic 'crusades' he shared the gospel message to many, bringing thousands to faith, and his evangelical style continues to influence the church today.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1983)
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a Russian novelist who challenged Russian Communism and made piercing critique of the oppressive Soviet regime he lived under. He raised awareness of Soviet Gulags – inhuman forced labour camps. Templeton say that his writing 'renewed vitality in the Orthodox tradition and evidenced a profound spirituality'.
Kyung-Chik Han (1992)
Kyung-Chik Han was a pastor and church planter who founded the 60,000 member Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Seoul, South Korea. He survived political oppression, war and worked fervently for refugees and the poor as he oversaw vast church growth in his country.
The 14th Dalai Lama (2012)
Tenzin Gyatso is the 14<sup>th Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader and icon of the modern world. First enthroned in 1950, he has advocated non-violence and harmony and dialogue between different religions. He has also emphasised the power of compassion to address the world's crises.
Desmond Tutu (2013)
Desmond Tutu once wrote that there is 'no future without forgiveness'. The first black Archbishop of Cape Town, he led the way in opposing apartheid (racial segregation and discrimination) in South Africa, heading up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when the violent apartheid ended, bringing about miraculous healing and restoration in the war-torn country. He has lived for racial unity, reconciliation and justice across the world, rooted in his deep Christian faith.
