ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

The EMS Foundation Pays Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu – An Unwavering Voice of the Voiceless and a Messenger for Compassion, Courage, Hope and Justice

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a moral beacon for South Africa, passed away at the age of 90 in Cape Town on the 26^th of December 2021. 

Archbishop Tutu was resolute in the rejection of oppression the abuses of power and his indelible legacy of speaking Truth to Power must be honoured, reaffirmed and continued. 

The Arch – as he was affectionately known – epitomized what is meant by Ubuntu:  harmony, kindness, participation and solidarity towards others–out of sympathy and altruism. 

It is was within his philosophy of Ubuntu and Justice that wrote: 

“Even when faced with urgent human problems, we should not overlook the issue of justice to animals…[there is] a growing worldwide sensitivity to animals and a developing sense that−as a matter of justice−they deserve our compassion and respect. 

-Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Foreword, Global Guide to Animal Protection (2013)

Tutu also spoke out for the Rights of Nature:

“Successfully addressing climate change and healing the damage which industrial civilizations have done to Earth will require more than new technologies and market mechanisms. It will require a fundamental transformation of our relationships with Nature. We are not the masters of Earth, entitled to dominate and exploit her “natural resources” for our own selfish ends, but privileged participants in a wondrous and sacred community of life. Bringing about this transformation and creating viable human communities that live harmoniously within the Earth community will require committed and concerted action. The Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth calls upon each of us to embrace our kinship with all the beings of the Earth community and to recognise, respect and defend the rights of all. Now is the time to answer that call.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, 2010

KRUGERSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA – 1970’s: Desmond Tutu,  with his mother-in-law, Johanna Shenxane, left, and his wife, Leah Tutu, in Kagiso township Krugersdorp. (Photo by Gallo Images / Africamera)

Hamba Kahle! Aluta Continua

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