Province News

Fr. Benjamin Urmston, SJ, receives McCrackin Peace Award
Tuesday, December 17, 2002

Fr. Benjamin J. Urmston, SJ
On December 8, 2002, Fr. Benjamin J Urmston, SJ, of Xavier University’s Peace and Justice Programs, was recognized as one of four recipients of the McCrackin Peace and Justice Awards. Named for the late Rev. Maurice McCracken, the awards are presented by Greater Cincinnati Community Shares and recognize individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment to the creation of a just community.

Fr. Urmston, a Jesuit for 56 years, first came to Xavier University in 1943 as an undergraduate and returned as staff in 1971. Peace with justice is the guiding force of his life’s work. Fr. Urmston developed “Faith and Justice Forum”, a weekly radio talk show on WVXU, Xavier’s radio station. He also conceived of a peace studies minor at Xavier. He is currently director of the Dorothy Day House, a place where students can actively learn about, and strive for, peace and justice on a global scale.

Fr. Urmston and Rev. McCrackin were friends and co-workers in building the beloved community. Their guiding idea was the same: in every situation try to do as Jesus would do.

Other honorees included Robert Harris, founder of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition of People with Disabilities, Jimmy Heath, editor of Streetvibes, a Cincinnati based newspaper, and Barbara Wolf, a producer of documentary films.