Desmond Tutu to Speak to Sold-out War Memorial Auditorium Nov. 3
Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be the second speaker in Guilford's 2005-06 Bryan Series Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. in War Memorial Auditorium. All tickets for the event, which is part of the Year of Spirit and Spirituality, have been sold or distributed.
Tutu, one of the best-known and most-honored people in the world today, is Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape. As a priest, dean, bishop and archbishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa, he was a leading figure in the struggle against apartheid. For his passionate advocacy of nonviolent change, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
After apartheid ended, he was chosen by South African President Nelson Mandela to chair South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate crimes committed during the apartheid era. He was presented with the highest civilian awards by South Africa and France.
Tutu is the author or editor of numerous books, including Crying in the Wilderness: The Struggle for Justice in South Africa, Hope and Suffering: Sermons and Speeches, The Rainbow People of God: The Making of a Peaceful Revolution and No Future Without Forgiveness. He will speak on "Reconciling Love: A Millennium Mandate."
Tutu was born in the Transvaal area of South Africa. In his late twenties he began to study for the priesthood in the Anglican Church, was ordained in 1960 and did three years of graduate theological study in England. In 1975 he became the first black person to become dean of St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral in Johannesburg. In 1976, he became bishop of Lesotho.
In 1984, he became the first black bishop of Johannesburg, and in 1986, he was elected the first black archbishop of Cape Town, and thus, titular head of the Anglican Church in South Africa. He was archbishop until his retirement in 1996. He has chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission since retirement.
Tutu joins author and religious scholar Karen Armstrong (who spoke in September) and award-winning broadcaster Bill Moyers (who will appear March 13) as Bryan Series speakers this year. For more information, visit www.guilford.edu/bryanseries.
Nov. 3, 2005