Desmond Tutu

1931 - 2021

Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian who became a prominent leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. He was known for his tireless advocacy for human rights and social justice, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his efforts in bringing about racial equality and reconciliation in his country.

My father always used to say, don't raise your voice. Improve your argument.

God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time, p. 184, 2004

God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

Don't raise your voice, improve your argument.

Address at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, 23 November 2004

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.

When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.

If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

God Has a Dream