STATEMENT BY CHURCH OF CEYLON ON THE DEMISE OF ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU: A paradigm of courage, class and character

Rose as a bright star to liberate South Africa from the cruelties of apartheid

 

31 December 2021 

It is with great sadness that we hear of the news of the demise of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town. A towering figure and leader of the anti-apartheid era, Archbishop Tutu was one of the most recognized and respected persons of the Christian faith in the present generation. His exemplary character, courage, leadership and example will be greatly missed as he has departed to go to the nearer presence of God. Archbishop Tutu was a contemporary of Nelson Mandela and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1984 for his leadership in the struggle to overcome the discrimination of the white minority government against the black majority in South Africa. 

"He was there at every stage, exposing the hypocrisy of the apartheid state, comforting its victims, holding the liberation movement to account, and daring Western governments to do more to isolate a white-minority government that he compared, unequivocally, to the Nazis.” 

It has been observed that “it is impossible to imagine South Africa’s long and tortuous journey to freedom - and beyond - without Archbishop Desmond Tutu. While other struggle leaders were killed, or forced into exile, or prison, the diminutive, defiant Anglican priest was there at every stage, exposing the hypocrisy of the apartheid state, comforting its victims, holding the liberation movement to account, and daring Western governments to do more to isolate a white-minority government that he compared, unequivocally, to the Nazis.”  His life and ministry are indeed an example for us today as we continue to confront polarization, extremism, populism and discrimination in this world. This has led to serious threats of human rights, violation, extremism and violence. The Anglican Communion is guided by the five marks of mission. These are to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, to teach, to respond with care, to fight against injustice and the call to nurture the integrity of all creation. Archbishop Tutu’s model is a constant reminder that we are all called to be faithful to these values. 

"Archbishop Tutu spent his life in the struggle for equality and justice, we are now called to follow in that same spirit by becoming instruments of God’s grace in places of disunity, oppression and conflict"

When oppression and discrimination take place against people based on their opinions, beliefs, class or sexual orientation etc., that is a threat to the integrity of the ‘good’ creation of our God. 
As Archbishop Tutu spent his life in the struggle for equality and justice, we are now called to follow in that same spirit by becoming instruments of God’s grace in places of disunity, oppression and conflict. Christians must affirm and protect the right to life and basic human rights of all people. May God grant eternal rest to the dear departed soul of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 
Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando Bishop of Kurunegala and Presiding Bishop of Church of Ceylon and Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo Bishop of Colombo