The world is mourning the passing of one of the great figures of reconciliation.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a rare figure in history – someone who brought people together, transforming history and bridging divides to build a rainbow nation.
Who will take on his legacy?
Desmond Tutu had a very clear answer to this question: All of us.
This is how he concluded his Nobel Lecture:
“Let us work to be peacemakers, those given a wonderful share in Our Lord’s ministry of reconciliation. If we want peace, so we have been told, let us work for justice. Let us beat our swords into ploughshares.
God calls us to be fellow workers with Him, so that we can extend His Kingdom of Shalom, of justice, of goodness, of compassion, of caring, of sharing, of laughter, joy and reconciliation, so that the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. Amen.”
As the tributes roll in let us offer the tribute he would want: Let us commit to reconciliation and build a peaceful and just world.