A Letter from the Arch
Posted in General
My wife, Leah, and I co-founded the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre as an organisation in 1998 to encourage and inspire future generations to commit themselves to work for world peace. I believe that each of us can make a difference; non violent principles have the power to overcome tyranny and oppression.
Building the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre on Cape Town’s Foreshore is a progression of that dream. This brings together the vision for the centre as an important rallying point for all who strive for social justice; it will also be a space where we can celebrate our diversity and inter-connectedness, our ubuntu.
As a public facility it will be available to all and will seek to nurture a culture of peace through educational programmes for learners, giving a voice to the marginalised in discussions and public events, and supporting the international community in peace building efforts. The building will incorporate a peace museum, an exhibition hall and a resource centre. It will also provide space for contemplation and reflection, so important in maintaining focus and inner peace without which we cannot hope to attain our goals.
Crucially, it will provide a forum for empowering young people to recognise that they can shape their future and the future of their country.
In 1994 when South Africa went to the polls for our first democratic election our people demonstrated that their choice was dialogue not revenge, compassion not hate, love not fear and that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible. I would want this centre to be such a beacon of hope to our country, our continent and the world.
God bless you
Desmond M Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus
