Virtue: Shalom
Resolution: I choose to pursue the flourishing of myself, my community, and the world.

Human Story: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (1931 - 2021)

Tutu was one of the most prominent South African figures in the long road to ending apartheid. A native South African, Tutu experienced firsthand the injustice under the racist white minority rule of his country. Inspired by his faith and love for his countrymen, he played a key role in the ending of apartheid and the universal suffrage of all within South Africa. What made Bishop Tutu such a great example for those in the anti-apartheid movement was what also separated him from them the most. Tutu saw the world through the truth of the Gospel, and so his goal was not just liberation for those suffering under the racist regime or the reversal of the oppressive segregation laws under apartheid, but also eventual reconciliation and forgiveness for both sides of the conflict. Tutu described his dream for South Africa as being free of racism, where those of all ethnicities and creeds can live free together.

While his stance against apartheid and the government behind it never wavered, he also advocated peaceful rather than violent forms of protest. Tutu was openly critical of many leaders in the anti-apartheid movement, their methods and rhetoric. When anti-apartheid protests were deemed forms of terrorism by the government and were put down violently, many anti-apartheid groups responded with violence. Rather than speaking only against a government that would turn weapons on its own people, Tutu also admonished the protestors that there were better ways to bring about change.

Those in the white minority government complained that he was too radical, while leaders of the protesting groups said he was too moderate. Biographer Steven Gish said, “Tutu faced the perpetual dilemma of all moderates – he was often viewed suspiciously by the two hostile sides he sought to bring together.” Tutu’s desire was to find a third way, a middle way, toward peace and liberty for all. He spent much of his time trying to build goodwill with white South Africans, while many on the anti-apartheid side were trying to foment hate toward their oppressors. Tutu expressed his solidarity with his fellow South Africans, but he urged them not to give into hatred because that was, and still is, antithetical to the Gospel. Fortunately, thanks to Bishop Tutu’s international outreach and respect, enough pressure was placed on the South African government to begin the dismantling of apartheid. Because reconciliation was so central to Tutu’s hopes for South Africa, he was selected to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission whose goal was not only to make judgements on those guilty of human rights abuses but also to help bring about healing and forgiveness for victims and perpetrators on both sides.

Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones are not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong. True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse, the hurt, the truth. It could even sometimes make things worse. It is a risky undertaking but in the end it is worthwhile, because in the end only an honest confrontation with reality can bring real healing. Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial healing. ― Desmond Tutu

Resources:
Rabble-Rouser for Peace: The Authorised Biography of Desmond Tutu. By John Allen
Desmond Tutu: A Biography. By Steven Gish
Desmond Tutu Biography, https://www.biography.com/political-figure/desmond-tutu

Lesson: 1 John 2:9-11 (Amplified Version)

The one who says he is in the Light [in consistent fellowship with Christ] and yet habitually hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is in the darkness until now. The one who loves and unselfishly seeks the best for his [believing] brother lives in the Light, and in him there is no occasion for stumbling or offense [he does not hurt the cause of Christ or lead others to sin]. But the one who habitually hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is in [spiritual] darkness and is walking in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The letter we call 1 John was written to believers. In our lesson passage John is emphatic that walking in the light – that is walking with Jesus – and hating other believers is incompatible. If you hate fellow believers, you have been blinded by what is evil and false. However, those who love other believers walk in the light. Lest you think that John just made this up, let’s see what Jesus said: “I give you a new command: Love one another.” (John 13:34) Jesus addressed this to His disciples, and if we claim to be His followers, then this command is for us as well.

What does it mean to love one another? Three key components to showing love are forgiving others, accepting others, and honoring others. Desmond Tutu’s life demonstrated all three of these aspects as he navigated the turbulent political waters of his country. Loving others, not just those who are like us, demonstrates a shalom that seeks the best for others and allows them to flourish. 

Remembrance

Let There Be Peace on Earth by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller sung by Vince and Jenny Gill

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be 

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony. 

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Challenge

Like Tutu, we should work toward good for all people. Is there a relationship in your life or in your community that is in need of repair? What can you do to bring shalom (peace) into this relationship? Pray and ask God how it can begin with you.

Reflection

A very important but difficult piece of renewing relationships is accepting responsibility for our part in any conflict. If we have a relationship in need of repair, we must remember that the wrong is not usually all on one side, and we are more easily able to restore relations when we look at our contribution to a conflict.           

- Desmond Tutu, The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World

Further Growth:

2021: Book of Common Prayer Proper 21

Old Testament: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-17, 24-29
Psalm: Psalm 19: 1-14
New Testament: James 4:7—5:6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-48

2020: Book of Common Prayer Proper 21

Old Testament: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Psalm: Psalm 25
New Testament: Philippians 2:1-13
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32