The world has lost another treasure with the death of Bishop Desmond Tutu: the South African priest, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Bishop Tutu joined the church triumphant Dec. 26, at the age of 90.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to listen to the teaching of those who knew him and worked alongside him, such as Dr. Peter Storey and Dr. Michael Battle. The stories I heard were of how he worked with others to stop a civil war, brought conflicting groups to the table, and offered a way of forgiveness and reconciliation for the people of his country instead of revenge and bloodshed.
Baptized a Methodist, Tutu’s family became Anglicans (Church of England). He was greatly influenced by the Anglican priest Trevor Huddleston, who championed against apartheid in South Africa in the 1950’s. Apartheid was a system of government racial segregation that existed in South Africa from after World War II until the 1990’s.
Tutu wanted to be a medical doctor – but could not afford the cost, so he accepted a scholarship to be educated as a teacher. A few years after he and his wife Leah began teaching, he resigned in protest to the government’s further segregation and neglect of the schools. At this time, a number of blacks were educated at mission schools. The government required blacks to attend government schools – many grossly lacking.
Soon, he was called into the ministry of the church and moved to England to study the Bible and theology. Ordained a minister in 1960 – after serving in England – his calling took him back to his beloved South Africa. He continued to teach, preach and support non-violent demonstrations against apartheid.
When those in power realized apartheid could no longer survive, to avoid war, the government of F.W. de Klerk, worked to dismantle apartheid and create a country where all adults, no matter the color of their skin, had rights, economic opportunities and could vote. Soon, Nelson Mandela, who had previously been a prisoner of the government, was elected President of South Africa.
To help bring about peace, Tutu was appointed chair of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Tutu worked for restorative justice and peaceful reconciliation. He called for those who committed human rights abuses to confess, seek forgiveness and apply for amnesty. Victims of human right abuses were allowed to testify and seek reparations.
Like all things human the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was not perfect, but it helped bring healing to a nation where many had suffered.
A committed Christian, Tutu used the teachings of Christ to work for non violent change. He prayed before meetings and shared his Christian beliefs. He called attention to racial inequities and worked for social and economic justice.
He will be remembered for many things and his work for forgiveness and reconciliation in a land torn with division, fear and hatred is an example for all.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.