Anthony Bailey awarded major interfaith medal

l-r: Imam Raza, Anthony Bailey with Sir Sigmund Sternberg

Sir Sigmund Sternberg, KC*SG, awarded the 2012 Sternberg Foundation Interfaith Gold Medallion to HE Mr Anthony Bailey, OBE, GCSS, at a ceremony held at his London home yesterday evening in the presence of several Ambassadors to the Court of St James’s, friends, family and colleagues.

This high distinction was granted following the unanimous decision of the award judges. According to Sir Sigmund, it was granted 'in recognition of Anthony Bailey's many years of endeavour and exceptional contribution to the improvement of understanding between the faiths in the United Kingdom and across the world'.

The Chairman of the Three Faith Forum, Michael Sternberg, QC, also stated “Anthony’s work in the field of interfaith relations is tireless. We salute his great achievements and are especially delighted knowing that he has agreed to accept this distinction”.

During the event Mr Bailey was presented with the Gold Medallion and Certificate by Imam Maulana Shahid Raza, Deputy Director of the Muslim College in London, Chairman of the Mosques and Imans National Advisory Board and President of the World Islamic Mission of Europe who stated “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind, I know that Muslim communities across the Middle East and in this country highly admire Anthony Bailey for his services and his invaluable contributions to peace building. As a Muslim and as an Imam I feel very privileged to be able to present this Gold Medallion to him”.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Anthony Bailey said: “I am very honoured to have been recognised in this way especially coming as it does from one of the world’s leading interfaith champions who is one of the principal inspirations behind my work in this area. I accept the award on behalf of all those whom I have worked with on advancing this vital work around the world".

The Interfaith Gold Medallion was established in 1986 and awarded to outstanding individuals who have helped promote peace and tolerance between people of different faiths.

Among previous winners who have made notable achievements and who have worked tirelessly to promote understanding and peaceful relations between people of different faiths include HH Pope John Paul II, HM King Hassan II of Morocco, HE Cardinal Basil Hume, HE President Arpad Goncz of Hungary, HE President Dr Johannes Rau of Germany, HI & RH Archduke Otto von Habsburg of Austria-Hungary, HE President Mary Robinson of Ireland, HM King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden, HE Cardinal Edward Cassidy, Lord Yehudi Menuhin and Dr John Templeton.

In 2007 a special Interfaith Gold Medallion with Diamond was presented on behalf of the faith communities in Britain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a special ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in the presence of nine faith leaders.

The Sternberg Foundation applies its funds for general charitable purposes by the making of grants in particular to charitable institutions. It has a special interest in the furtherance of interfaith activities and the promotion and support of education in the fields of racial and religious harmony.

HE Mr Anthony Bailey is the Grand Magistral Delegate for Inter-Religious Relations of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George, Chairman of Painting & Patronage and Special Counsel to HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Province, Vice President of the Association of Papal Orders in Ireland, Director of the United Learning Trust, Trustee of St Mary’s University Twickenham, Governor of the Archdiocese of Westminster, and Advisory Board member of the Three Faith Forum.

Mr Bailey has been decorated by over twelve countries in recognition of his inter-faith and charity work including Portugal, Bulgaria and Morocco. Anthony was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008 and is the youngest Papal Knight in Great Britain having been honoured by Pope John Paul II in 2004 and by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 who awarded him the Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of Pope St Sylvester.