The World Christian Leadership Conference together with leaders worldwide remembers the iconic life, legacy, and love of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was an Anglican clergyman. Archbishop Tutu was one of the great reformers to help transform South Africa from disgraceful apartheid to what he coined as the “Rainbow Nation”. The successful change was largely attributed to the Archbishop and his work in helping lead the Anti-apartheid movement.

This renowned man was recognized in the midst racial liberation as the first Anglican of Black heritage to be assigned Bishop in Johannesburg(1985). A Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was enthroned as leader of some 2 million South African Anglicans on September 7th 1986. He was a champion of human rights, and invited the world to seek unity through the lens of non-violence and peaceful activism. Driven by a passion fair and equal treatment of people, Archbishop Tutu represented the Biblical truth: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James‬ ‭2:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬) He encouraged works of pity and works of mercy. 

His work on healing and reconciliation continued beyond South Africa becoming a democracy; as he headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission under President Mandela. He leaves remembrances of a life well lived yielding reminders that healing and reconciliation need to be woven into the fabric of a civil society.

He is to be missed and never forgotten as we move forward in creating a world reflecting the heart of God to all people of every hue and age in human existence.

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace, who has visited South Africa, would hope we shall pause to thank Almighty God, the Heavenly Parent of all believers on earth for the life Archbishop Desmond Tutu was chosen to live, and to thank Desmond Tutu for living with much passion and purpose, which truly made a Providential difference.

Dr. Ki Hoon Kim