“At home in South Africa I have sometimes said in big meetings where you have black and white together: “Raise your hands!” Then I have said, “Move your hands,” and I’ve said “Look at your hands – different colors representing different people. You are the Rainbow People of God.” [1]
The phrase ‘rainbow people of God’ was a regular theme of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the first Black South African Archbishop of Cape Town. He resisted the evils of racism that were institutionalized in South Africa through apartheid from 1948 until it was dismantled in the early 1990s, beginning with the release of Nelson Mandela. Always, always, he drew people back to the central message of Jesus which was to love God with all our heart and soul and mind, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
South Africa could easily have fallen apart in the 1990s and there could have been much bloodshed; those who had been treated so shamefully over many years might easily have sought revenge. But Tutu brought the Gospel of love to bear on what was an explosive situation and, instead, shocked some in the world by putting into action change through non-violence by his truth and reconciliation process. He, himself, embodied the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated in his life on earth; radical love – powerful love – the kind of love that is at odds with the world and the way that powerful men in our world still try to fix things to their own ends. What he did was to put into practice the words of Jesus in spite of threats of violence against himself: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).
There are many people that believe that retribution and revenge is the best way to deal with injustice and evil. Tutu encouraged his people to struggle with the message of love and forgiveness that is at the heart of the Gospel. He knew that it was not the easy way; and during his time as Archbishop, he often had to confront anger on both sides; who can forget the time he intervened at a public lynching. However, he also taught that the way of love does not mean denying the wrong that has been perpetrated; he said,
Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones are not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong. True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse, the hurt, the truth. It could even sometimes make things worse. It is a risky undertaking but in the end it is worthwhile, because in the end only an honest confrontation with reality can bring real healing. Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial healing. [2]
As we watched his simple coffin carried into St. George’s Cathedral on New Year’s Day, many of us were reminded of the way that he had attempted to be faithful to Christ throughout his life, walking humbly before his God. And, although he will be remembered by so many for his acts of courage, this Nobel Peace Prize winner will be known by many more as a man who simply said his prayers, offered the mass, pastored his people – yes, a faithful priest of the Lord.
So, we give thanks for the life of a great Anglican Archbishop; not simply for his courage and inspirational leadership, but for his warmth, his humor, and his humility. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
Next week I will be having my post-Christmas annual leave and Fr. Moretz will write the weekly message. On my return, we will begin our Pilgrims’ Course for 2022. I am delighted that we have almost 20 people signed up so far – there is still time to register your interest and the classes will be in-person and on-line at the same time, so you can join us via Zoom or at the Parish House.
Affectionately,
Your Pastor and Priest,
Carl
Access the Rector’s sermon from May 9, 2021, focusing heavily on Archbishop Tutu.
Watch a lecture, given by the Very Reverend Michael Battle, on Archbishop Tutu from November 20, 2020.
