Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (1931-2021)

On behalf of the Vestry, congregation, and staff of Trinity Church Wall Street, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.  Archbishop Tutu died Sunday in Cape Town, South Africa, at the age of 90.
 
As the world knows, the archbishop became the public face of opposition to apartheid at a time when Nelson Mandela and many leaders of the African National Congress were imprisoned. He was a champion of the process of reconciliation, a peacemaker, and a man whose whole being radiated joy and the love of God. 
 
Trinity Church Wall Street had a long relationship with Archbishop Tutu, who often preached here (see photo above with the archbishop at the pulpit of St. Paul's Chapel) in the 1980s during the struggle against apartheid.  Like the millions of people who have known the archbishop, Trinity has been touched and blessed by his ministry.  Just a few weeks ago, we had the honor of  welcoming  Archbishop Tutu’s daughter, Thandeka Tutu, and the Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle to Trinity for an exploration of the spiritual leadership and life of the Archbishop.
 
We give thanks to God for his life and for his work. May we follow the path he walked toward justice and reconciliation, and may he rest in peace. 
 
Faithfully,
The Rev. Phillip A. Jackson
Priest-in-charge