USPG host inaugural Desmond Tutu Annual Memorial Lecture at York Minster
On Tuesday 17 September, The Revd Nontombi Tutu, Episcopal priest and human rights activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu led the inaugural Desmond Tutu Annual Memorial Lecture at York Minster.
The lecture was entitled ‘Truth, The Path to Reconciliation’ and The Revd Nontombi drew upon scholarly perspectives, particularly from Africa and the global majority world, to deepen comprehension and inspire those present to take action toward dismantling oppressive structures and nurturing just communities.
In tribute to Desmond Tutu’s legacy of scholarly reflection and contemplation
In tribute to Desmond Tutu’s legacy of scholarly reflection and contemplation, the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice at the University of Western Cape and United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) have established this annual memorial lecture on religion and social justice. In future years, distinguished speakers and thought leaders will be invited to examine contemporary issues through the lens of Archbishop Tutu’s enduring legacy.
The Revd Canon Dr Peniel Rajkumar at USPG said: “We were delighted that our inaugural lecture had a speaker of The Revd Nontombi’s high calibre, and it was an honour to hear her wisdom. We hope that by annually convening scholars, theologians, activists, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, in the UK and South Africa, this lecture series will cultivate critical inquiry, collaboration, and collective action toward a more just and compassionate world”.
In this interview, The Revd Nontombi shares insights into her lecture:
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The General Secretary of USPG, The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, accompanied by Fran Mate, Senior Regional Manager – Africa, shared greetings and updates with the 37th Session of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa Provincial Synod held from 25 – 27 September 2024 in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa. The theme was – “Flourishing like a garden: Listening, reconciling and celebrating God’s new creation”. Also in attendance was the Anglican Communion General Secretary The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo.
The Most Revd Hosam Naoum رئيس الأساقفة حسام نعوم , Archbishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem shared a virtual update on the conflict in the Holy Land, watched by members of the provincial Synod. As a result, Synod welcomed the role of the Most Revd Dr TC Makgoba and the World Council of Churches in giving support to Palestine to express Southern African Christians’ solidarity – thereby condemning the use of starvation as a weapon of war, destruction of hospitals, schools and the 72 facilities for disabled people in Gaza. USPG also accompanies the Episcopal Province of Jerusalem and The Middle East in restoring peace in Gaza – read more.
Diocesan reports shared during the time together indicated that in the next ten years, ACSA dioceses envision an Anglican community that is:
- Prophetic, transformative, inclusive, contextually rooted and guided by the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission.
- Hospitable and characterised by serving the interests of justice, social needs and the protection of the environment.
- Honest and humble, committed and passionate, disciplined and outward-looking; and
- Sensitive to the tensions within the Anglican Communion of those disaffected in the Communion
ACSA is USPG’s long-standing partner in fulfilling God’s mission globally. The Most Revd Dr TC Makgoba spoke of his appreciation of USPG’s presence at the provincial synod and longstanding relationship with the dioceses and institutions of the province since the 19th century. He said “ACSA is grateful for how the society’s relationship over the decades has developed into one of mutual sharing and respect”.
The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, addressed Synod speaking of how the Church’s prophetic witness in challenging Apartheid had inspired a generation of young Anglicans across the Communion, himself included, in the 1980s and 1990s. He also thanked the Archbishop of ACSA, The Most Revd Dr TC Makgoba and Synod for their warm welcome and hospitality expressing his delight in the various ways USPG is privileged to work with the province. In particular, he thanked The Rt Revd Vicentia Lesotho and The Rt Revd Dalcy Estwatini who were speakers at recent USPG events in the UK. He also spoke further about the strategic significance of the Theological Executive Leadership Programme, a cross-provincial initiative providing leadership training to Theological College Principals, currently hosting a residential from Monday 30 September.
The synod ended on 27 September and the delegates were inspired to share a message of hope.