During an event on June 1, the Anti-Defamation League will present its Torch of Liberty Award to John Danforth, a former Missouri Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Special Counsel on the Branch Davidian raid in Waco, Texas, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Danforth will receive the honor during a luncheon at at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 1 at the Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton.  The event will also feature Danforth in conversation with his longtime friend and syndicated Washington Post political columnist George Will.

ADL established the Torch of Liberty to “celebrate those who, by word and deed, seek to preserve liberty, freedom, equality and democracy. It recognizes those in today’s world who demonstrate significant leadership and courage in the face of bias and bigotry.” ADL notes that Danforth’s commitment to community engagement, to issues ranging from youth anti-bias learning, to hate crime and to Israel education are key aspects of the connection ADL has shared with the senator.

An ordained Episcopal priest, Sen. Danforth’s works Faith and Politics: How the “Moral Values” Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together (2006), and The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can Change Politics (2015) provide additional commentaries to a consistent history of advocacy for and support of those who seek protection from discrimination, for those seeking equity, for civility in the public square, for acceptance and respect for all.

A bi-partisan group of civic and community leaders have joined ADL to honor Danforth, including former U.S. Senators Kit Bond, Jean Carnahan, Jim Talent and Barbara Eagleton. Former U.S. Attorney Ed Dowd Jr. and Danforth friends Ann and Harvey Tettlebaum are co-chairs of the event.