Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Reconciliation and Forgiveness after Apartheid

In this week's podcast, we explore the last sermon in the summer series of "Holy Disruptors: How Christian Saints, Prophets, and Mystics led in times of Difficulty" created by the Rev. Siri Strommen, a Lutheran pastor in Minnesota.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Rev. Mark Burnham, Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, CA, preached a sermon entitled,  "Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1931-2021): Reconciliation and Forgiveness after Apartheid"

Scriptures                                   

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:16-20                              
• Second Reading – Philippians 2:1-4, 14-16

     Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a distinguished South African Anglican bishop,
theologian, and human rights advocate. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the pursuit of justice, equality, and reconciliation.
     As a vocal opponent of apartheid, Tutu worked tirelessly to end racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. His leadership and moral Courage earned him international recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
     Central to Archbishop Tutu’s theology was the African concept of Ubuntu, a powerful worldview that emphasizes community, interconnectedness,
compassion, and mutual respect—embodying the idea that “I am because we are.” Ubuntu underscores the importance of caring for one another and recognizing our shared humanity, principles that guided his life's work and inspired many around the world.
     Tutu lived this truth, championing forgiveness and reconciliation as the
foundation for healing a divided nation. He chaired South Africa’s Truth and
Reconciliation Commission, helping the country confront its painful past with grace and hope. Archbishop Tutu remained a beacon of hope, forgiveness, and love. His legacy continues to remind us that through humility, understanding, and
compassion, we can build bridges of unity and healing in our communities.

Thank you for listening. Join us next week for the first sermon in our Fall Lectionary series.

To find more sermon podcasts and to learn more about Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, please visit our website, 

GraceWC.org

www.gracewc.org