Desmond Tutu

DESMOND MPILO TUTU , also known as ‘The Most Revd Dr…’ or more simply, ‘Archbishop’ is one of those ‘larger than life’ people whose joy and love of life is infectious with everyone he meets. He is also someone who can engage people of all ages, from the youngest of children to his own generation and beyond.
DESMOND TUTU is the cleric and activist who came to world prominence in the 1980’s as a long-standing opponent of Apartheid in his beloved homeland of South Africa . Indeed, outside of Nelson Mandela , he is probably the best-known and most-recognised black anti-Apartheid campaigner around the world today.
Following the Soweto Riots of 1976, Tutu supported an economic boycott of South Africa. In 1978 he became the Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches. Using his position he was able to continue his high-profile work against Apartheid with the backing and agreement of almost all of the churches. Proving he was a man of deep faith and taking hold of the central message of Jesu s in the Gospels regarding love for your neighbour and your fellow man, he staunchly endorsed reconciliation between all parties -- both at home and during his travels abroad when he was able to bring the situation and developments in South Africa to the wider outside world. Whilst he was very firm in his denunciation of the white ruling government he was equally vocal in his disapproval of the violence of groups such as the ANC and also so-called terrorists groups.
In honour of his work and stance he was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize . The Nobel Committee were led to comment about “his role as a unifying leader figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of Apartheid in South Africa.” In 1986 he became the first black person to lead the Anglican Church in South Africa.
After the fall of Apartheid he headed the " Truth and Reconciliation Commission " where he was able at long last to oversee the outworking of his approach and beliefs as a new nation took its first tentative steps. He is also generally credited with coming up with the term “ Rainbow Nation ” as a way of describing the ethnic diversity of post-Apartheid South Africa in 1994 by which time the country was under the rule of an ANC lead government.
ARCHBISHOP TUTU continues to work tirelessly to this day with the dual goals of bringing peace and reconciliation to peoples and situations all around the world and as such continues to be an inspiration to all people, whether they share his deep-held faith or not. He is often to be found on a stage or platform in support of a worthy cause or campaign. Everyone he meets or works alongside is touched and inspired by the man and his desire for justice and peace for all.
We think it is a fitting way to pay tribute to the message of hope from a great man of peace and love. Let us all vow to carry on with the work and aspirations of Archbishop Tutu across and around this world of ours for as long as we draw breath and war, hatred, intolerance and injustice lives amongst our human family.
Mark 12:28–34
1 Corinthians 13:1-15