A ceremony generally hosted at St. Ambrose University is coming to the Illinois side of the river for the first time. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., Augustana College will host this year's Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award ceremony.
The award will be given to Lutheran Bishop Munib A. Younan . Jason Mahn, Director of the Presidential Center for Faith and Learning at Augustana, says it is an honor to have Bishop Younan come to campus.
"Augustana is really excited to host this because this year's recipient has been working as a leader of the international Lutheran communities for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. And, given Augustana's Lutheran connection, we're just delighted to host one of our own and to learn from him."
Pacem in Terris translates to "Peace on Earth." Since 1964, the Diocese of Davenport has given the award to "leaders who work for peace and justice." Winners include Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and the Dalai Lama.
Mahn says Bishop Younan will spend much of the day on campus after flying in Tuesday morning.
"He's able to be a special guest in a Global Christianities course here on Augustana's campus, followed by some conversation with area faith leaders and students and educators here at Augustana."
He will also hold a book signing following the ceremony on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Ascension Chapel. After spending time in the Quad Cities, the bishop will head to Decorah to visit Luther College.