Senate Resolution No. 1419

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo
Tutu, internationally known peacemaker, renowned
religious leader, Nobel Peace laureate and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those men and women of religious
commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render
the wisdom of human understanding; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound intent that this Legislative Body is
moved to pay homage to a man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and
inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Desmond Mpilo Tutu, a South African Anglican Bishop and
Theologian known for his work as an advocate for human rights, died on
Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the age of 90; and

WHEREAS, A consistent voice for nonviolent social change, Desmond
Tutu was a leader in the movement to overthrow apartheid, South Africa's
brutal system of racial segregation; and

WHEREAS, Born of mixed Xhosa and Motswana heritage to a poor family
in Klerksdorp, South Africa in 1931, Desmond Tutu grew up under racist
laws imposed over centuries of colonialism; as a college student in the
early 1950s, he met Nelson Mandela and trained as a teacher before
marrying Nomalizo Leah Shenxane in 1955, with whom he had four children;
and

WHEREAS, Ordained as an Anglican priest in 1960, Desmond Tutu moved
to the United Kingdom to study theology at King's College London in
1962; four years later, he returned to Africa, teaching at the Federal
Theological Seminary and then the University of Botswana, Lesotho and
Swaziland; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Desmond Tutu became the Theological Education
Fund's Director for Africa, a position based in London but necessitating
regular tours of the African continent; he went on to serve as Dean of
St Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg before becoming Bishop of Lesotho;
and

WHEREAS, Desmond Tutu rapidly rose in the clergy and took charge of
the South African Council of Churches from 1978 to 1985, transforming it
into a major human rights organization stressing non-violent protest and
foreign economic pressure to bring about universal suffrage;
furthermore, he mobilized domestic and international opposition to
apartheid, including an international economic boycott of South Africa;
and

WHEREAS, After serving as Bishop of Johannesburg, in 1986, Desmond
Tutu became the Archbishop of Cape Town, the most senior position in
southern Africa's Anglican hierarchy; in this capacity, he emphasized a

consensus-building model of leadership and oversaw the introduction of
female priests; that same year, he became President of the All Africa
Conference of Churches and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; and

WHEREAS, In 1990, Desmond Tutu and the recently free Nelson Mandela
led negotiations to end apartheid and introduce multi-racial democracy;
and

WHEREAS, After the historic victory and election of Nelson Mandela
as South Africa's first Black president in 1994, Desmond Tutu led the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, pursuing restorative justice rather
than retribution; and

WHEREAS, Following apartheid's fall, Desmond Tutu began tirelessly
demonstrating and speaking out around the world for justice, peace,
women's equality and gay rights; he retired from public life in 2010;
and

WHEREAS, Desmond Tutu's life was dedicated to the preservation and
enhancement of human dignity; this resolute gentleman's finest legacy of
greater social justice for all was truly reflected in his devotion to
serve and respect others, and in his steadfast love for all humanity;
and

WHEREAS, Desmond Tutu selflessly fought the evils of racism during
the most terrible days of apartheid; he inspired an entire nation with
his words and his courage, truly reviving the people's hope during the
darkest of times; and

WHEREAS, An apostle of peace, Desmond Tutu fought unrelentingly for
the civil rights of all people around the globe, and taught us that
through non-violence, courage displaces fear, love transforms hate,
acceptance dissipates prejudice and mutual regard cancels enmity; and

WHEREAS, Desmond Tutu's monumental legacy will continue to shine
forth as a beacon of hope for all those who aspire to create a just and
peaceful world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu.