South African Archbishop and activist Desmond Tutu praised the value of cooperation and forgiveness last Thursday in Gaston Hall, offering a peaceful solution to contemporary issues of political discord.
“We are sisters and brothers, members of one family,” he said. “There are no outsiders, all are insiders. Fly for joy, togetherness.”
Tutu, currently a visiting professor at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, spoke on the value of faith cooperation and forgiveness at the second Oliver Tambo Lecture, an annual event created to symbolize Georgetown’s commitment to development in Africa. The 70-year-old former Archbishop of Cape Town was instrumental in garnering global religious and political support during the 1980s against the apartheid regime of South Africa.
“Apartheid tightened the screws of oppression and allowed the most horrible atrocities,” Tutu said. “It continues to be a great privilege to say thank you on behalf of millions and millions [of South Africans].”
Tutu recounted the struggles of his fellow South African political leaders against the apartheid government, including former South African President Nelson Mandela and former African National Congress leader Oliver Tambo, for whom the lecture is named.
Drawing upon his experience as Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated the human rights violations of the white South African government, the Anglican preacher stressed the importance of social and political forgiveness.
“If [former South African president F.W.] DeClerk had to deal with a vengeful enemy, the process would have been more difficult. There is no future without forgiveness,” he said.
Tutu stressed the value of magnanimity and generosity rather than resentment and revenge when seeking political compromise. His speech extended these values to the current situation in Afghanistan following Sept. 11.
While condemning the “evil of terrorism,” he emphasized the value of respecting other faiths, including Islam, and condemned the use of violence as a solution.”
“It is impossible to make peace through the barrel of a gun,” he said.
Along with the Director of African Studies Chair and Dean of the School of Foreign Service Robert Gallucci, Tutu was introduced by University President John J. DeGioia, who praised the speaker for his dedication and faith.
“As a deeply principled man, you are an inspiration to the future leaders we are training here at Georgetown,” DeGioia said.
