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Canon Peter Adams has been awarded the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation.

The award is in recognition of Peter’s “leadership, inspiration and practical action in the field of reconciliation, interfaith cooperation and anti-extremism work in Luton, as well as nationally and internationally”.

The Lambeth Awards, initiated in 1940, are a set of prestigious accolades presented annually by the Archbishop of Canterbury to acknowledge exceptional contributions made to the Church of England, the broader Anglican Communion, and various other faith communities.

Commenting on his award, Peter said:

“I love that the motto of the award is a scarab beetle, better known as a dung beetle! It was apparently Archbishop Hubert Walter, for whom the award is named, favourite animal, from his time in Egypt mediating during the crusades. It feels very appropriate picture of how the mess of lives and society can be transformed by the peace that Jesus brings, and uses us to bring, in the world. I see that happening lots in my work, and now it’s highlighted by the humble dung beetle!

“The contrast between my life in Luton and my rural upbringing as a farmer’s son in Sussex grants me insight into the anxieties experienced by many regarding the evolving landscape of Britain. Embracing both perspectives, I hope to be a unifying voice in our national life.”

Peter has made remarkable contributions to reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. After spending 26 years with Youth With A Mission, he settled in Luton in 2007. His voluntary work as a community mediator and peacemaker has focused on intercultural relations and understanding different worldviews.

The Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation

Peter played a crucial role in opposing extremism from groups like al-Muhajiroun, the English Defence League, and Britain First. He has worked closely with Muslim colleagues to promote community cooperation and challenge the extremist narrative. Peter’s efforts include on-the-ground mediation, cooperation with local agencies, and engagement with individual extremist leaders.

He has also collaborated with Christian and Muslim colleagues on projects like FACES (Faiths Against Children’s Sexual Exploitation). As the Director of the St Mary’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Peter is deeply trusted and respected. Furthermore, he serves as a trustee for ‘Hope Not Hate‘ and participates in national mediation projects. Recently, he contributed to a community dialogue hub during COP26 through a project led by Scottish Mediation.

All of Peter’s work is rooted in his Christian faith, and he holds various positions of leadership within the church and community, including Lay Chair of St Albans Diocesan Synod, General Synod member, Vice-Chair of Luton Food Bank, and Lay Chair of Luton Deanery. Peter was made an honorary lay canon of St Albans Cathedral in 2014 for his work in the Luton community.

The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, welcomed the award:

“I am delighted that Peter’s substantial contribution to reconciliation and peace-making in Luton and beyond has been recognised by this award. Peter’s witness to justice and peace, in the face of extremism and division, has been Christ-like, courageous and hopeful.”