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[Back to index of December 2007 articles] 'Be Like God' Tutu Says By Anne Carson
November 11 dawned with the sun's rays gilding the frost as if to honor Desmond Tutu, the first black Anglican Archbishop of the Church of Southern Africa, who spoke at a 10 a.m. forum at Washington National Cathedral. Tutu, who was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent stance against apartheid and his promotion of forgiveness as leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, spoke on a topic woven from his life's theme: Can We Forgive Our Enemies? Earlier that morning, Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd patterned his 8:45 a.m. service on "the far side of revenge," heralding a cleric whose life has proved forgiveness to be "the most powerful tool." As the cathedral quietly filled to near capacity, Lloyd reflected on Tutu's contribution: "In Desmond Tutu's life and ministry, we have been given a picture of what God wants for our world," he said. "I forgive you. Let's begin again." When the forum began, the lively archbishop bid the eager crowd a "Good Morning," then commented that the audience's first response was "very lousy," which brought forth a peal of laughter. The exchange between Lloyd, as moderator, and Tutu juxtaposed joyous Christianity with cosmic seriousness. Lloyd announced that Tutu had just been awarded the first Cathedral Prize for Advancement in Religious Understanding, and Tutu reminded the dean that an alliance in the 1970-80s with the Rt. Rev. John T. Walker, former dean of the cathedral and Bishop of Washington, had given the South Africans much-needed support during their long struggle against apartheid. When Lloyd asked Tutu to explain how he was able to deal with the horrendous past, the dehumanizing torture of apartheid, without the "orgy of retribution," that was demonstrated in the genocide of Rwanda, Tutu spoke of the "extraordinary gift of Nelson Mandela." Mandela was an angry man when he was sent to jail, appalled at the travesty of injustice, he said, but his 27 years in prison made him into a man of benevolence. "Nelson Mandela then had the credibility for people to believe we can try forgiveness and reconciliation," Tutu concluded. "We are a human race that doesn't have a good record," Lloyd countered. With hands outstretched, Tutu spoke of the lifeblood of his African culture that is based on being human: "A person is a person in another person." Pointing to the audience, he continued, "My humanity is caught up in your humanity. I need you, in order for me to be human…When I undermine your humanity, I, in that process am dehumanized." With great gusto, he exclaimed, "To forgive is the best form of self-interest. Your blood pressure goes down. Your tum tum behaves. Forgiveness is very good for your health." When Lloyd encouraged Tutu to explain how he persevered with such grace, Tutu recalled how he preached to his people that they were all created in God's image. "I am a God carrier," Tutu said, pointing to the audience again. "You, you carry all of God with you. We should do what the Buddhists do: the God in me greets the God in you." Then, cupping his hands in front of the audience, he said, "We really have an incredible God. You, you are engraved in His palms! You say, 'To hell with you, God.' God says, 'You are engraved in my hands.'" A line of persons wishing to ask questions formed in the nave, but time permitted only two questions. The first referred to the role of music in the reconciliation of the past, and the Archbishop responded by softly singing a favorite African hymn. The final question was if reconciliation were possible with the African churches in the Anglican Communion. Tutu's firm response reflected the essence of his life's ministry: "Remember that this is God's church. At a time when the world is crying out, I can't imagine anything but that Jesus is weeping." Then, encircling his arms, Tutu continued with emotion, "Our God is a welcoming God…Invite all. Be like God. Be welcoming. Remember that our communion with one another is a gift. Be like God." [Back to index of December 2007 articles]
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