Diakonia Award Given to Methodist Minister

DIAKONIA AWARD FOR NORMAN HUDSON

Former Methodist Bishop of the Natal Coastal District, Revd Dr Norman Hudson, has been conferred with the Diakonia Award for ‘immense commitment to united work for justice, peace and development’ and for ‘outstanding contribution to united church efforts to address Durban’s economic and political problems’.

Dr Hudson was presented with the Award at the annual Diakonia Lecture at Diakonia Centre, on 19 October.

In the citation, Diakonia Council, the supreme decision making body of the organisation, said this is to recognise a lifetime of service to church and society.

The Council described him as a pastor with a great heart who is always ready to listen to people’s problems.

“He has always been concerned about people who are suffering, like victims of violence, the unemployed and those living in informal settlements. He has always made an effort to meet and hear people and see if the church can respond to their plight,” it said.

Through the charitable DT Hudson Trust, the Council noted, he has been helping funding of skills training programmes for the unemployed as well as funding for peace projects to aid the church’s involvement in assisting the process of peace in the province.

Dr Hudson was described as a keen supporter of the ecumenical movement, being Chairperson at various times of the Durban and District Council of Churches, the Diakonia Council of Churches and the Vuleka Trust, and was much involved with the KwaZulu-Natal Church Leaders’ Group.

“One of his most notable efforts in this regard was to help in the establishment of the new provincial council of churches, by visiting all the regions of the province together with Archbishop Emeritus Philip Russell, to encourage local church leaders to give their full support to this new venture. This really helped the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council to get off to a strong start,” the Council said.

In accepting the Award, Dr Hudson described it as a wonderful honour and well-timed as he is about to publish his memoirs and urged the gathering to tirelessly work for justice.

“Working for justice is not an option, but a commission from Jesus himself. You must ask yourself ‘how can I make my hands dirty in order to make a difference in other people’s lives?’ he asked.

This is not the first time that Diakonia has acknowledged his commitment to social justice. In 1997, the holder of the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Southern Methodist University, Dallas (United States), became the fifth church leader to be named Patrius Emeritus, joining such illustrious church leaders as Archbishops Denis Hurley and Philip Russell.

Born in Vryburg in 1931, Dr Hudson was in active ministry with the Methodist Church for 41 years.