PLAINS, Ga. — Former president Jimmy Carter is winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Carter, 78, has been called the greatest ex-president in American history. But for many, he's the world's best-known Sunday School teacher.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee selected the 39th president of the United States for his "vital contribution" to the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and his continuing efforts to resolve conflicts around the world and promote human rights.
Upon learning of the high recognition Oct. 11, Carter told reporters he hoped the visibility from the Nobel Prize would enhance efforts in seeking peaceful solutions to international conflicts. Carter added that he will donate the $1 million prize to the Carter Center, the 20-year-old think tank and policy center that he and his wife, Rosalynn, started in 1982.
Thousands of guests — including many international visitors — attend Sunday School classes at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., where Carter teaches most Sundays.
At press time, the only Baptist leader to publicly commend Carter on his award was Denton Lotz, Baptist World Alliance general secretary.
Carter is a lifelong Baptist layman who was actively involved in Southern Baptist Brotherhood work as a young man. However, Carter has been openly critical of the "fundamentalist takeover" of the Southern Baptist Convention over the past two decades.
The Carters have aligned themselves with the 11-year-old Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Carter addressed the 2001 CBF general assembly in Atlanta that drew a record crowd.
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