United Methodist bishops pay homage to Archbishop Tutu
12/31/2021 - Ecumenical
Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his fight apartheid system in South Africa, died Dec. 26 in Cape Town, South Africa. He was 90. His funeral will be on New Year's Day.
Press Release for immediate release
Friday, December 31, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bishops of The United Methodist Church are joining the world in mourning the death of Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu, their Anglican colleague, who will be buried tomorrow in Cape Town, South Africa.
“In the midst of grief, we also celebrate the life of one who did not hesitate to use the gospel to advocate for human rights in South Africa and throughout the globe,” the bishops said in a statement released today.
The bishops noted that Archbishop Tutu worked to introduce a theological perspective that was born in the crucible of struggle and oppression during Apartheid in South Africa and used the gospel as a mandate to understand Christ as liberator of the oppressed.
“Archbishop Tutu had the moral strength, moral courage and clarity to take a stand for the rights of humanity and sought equality for all of God’s people regardless of race, gender or economic status. His spiritual leadership will remain a living example to all of us.
“We pray that Archbishop Tutu’s life and witness will inspire all world leaders today with his courage to build a world that is free of discrimination and hatred; and continue to bring light to darkness,” noted the statement signed by Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, president of the Council of Bishops and Bishop Sally Dyck, ecumenical officer of Council of Bishops.
