Author(s): Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Biography

In this essential collection of Desmond Tutu's most historicand controversial speeches and writings, we witness hisunique career of provoking the powerful and confronting theworld in order to protect the oppressed, the poor, and othervictims of injustice.Renowned first for his courageous opposition to apartheidin South Africa, he and his ministry soon took on internationaldimensions. Rooted in his faith and in the values embodiedin the African spirit of ubuntu, Tutu's uncompromisingvision of a shared humanity has compelled him to speakout, even in the face of violent opposition and virulent criticism, against political injustice and oppression, religiousfundamentalism, and the persecution of minorities.Arranged by theme and introduced with insight andhistorical context by Tutu's biographer, John Allen, thiscollection takes readers from the violent apartheid clashesin South Africa to the healing work of the Truth andReconciliation Committee; from Trafalgar Square after thefall of the Berlin Wall to a national broadcast commemoratingthe legacy of Nelson Mandela; from Ireland's Christ ChurchCathedral in Dublin to a basketball stadium in Luanda, Angola. Whether exploring democracy in Africa, the genocidein Rwanda, black theology, the inclusion of gays andlesbians in the church, or the plight of Palestinians, Tutu'smessage of truth is clear and his voice unflinching.In a world of suffering and conflict, where human laws alltoo often clash with God's law, Tutu's hopeful, timeless messagesbecome increasingly necessary and powerful with eachpassing year--and are needed now more than ever.