These words were sent by Revd Dr Sam Wells to be shared at the Memorial Service of Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Cathedral of Mary The Virgin Johannesburg where Archbishop Tutu was Dean of Johannesburg 1975-76 and Bishop of Johannesburg 1985-86
The Memorial will take place at the Cathedral on the evening of Wednesday 29 December 2021
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a strong claim to have been the greatest Anglican of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. His life embodied the struggle against apartheid. His witness ensured that the struggle was always understood as a Christian duty and a fruit of faithful discipleship, demonstrating beyond doubt that Christians could line up on only one side of this issue. His dedication ensured that the model of Christian humility shaped not only the struggle towards democracy, but was just as influential in the work of truth and reconciliation that followed. That work has inspired countless imitators, and may prove his greatest legacy. We at St Martin’s understand that just as Archbishop Desmond took up the cause when so many didn’t want to know or thought it was hopeless, so he knew that the cause of a truly rainbow South Africa in which all her children flourished was not yet over, even in 2021. Humbled to have known him, honoured to have been blessed by him, inspired by his example, we say in his memory this prayer of Francis Drake:
O Lord God, when Thou givest to thy servants to endeavour any great matter,
grant us also to know that it is not the beginning,
but the continuing of the same unto the end,
until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory;
through him who for the finishing of thy work laid down his life,
our redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The prayers of our community are with you and your people
Sam Wells
