We owe it to Desmond Tutu to promote peace, love and understanding

A point worth reflecting on in this divided and confused world is that there is always hope.
It is now more than 34 years since Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu became the first man of African ethnicity to lead the Anglican Church in South Africa.
Hard to imagine, isn’t it, that before 1986 many people believed it unthinkable that an African cleric should lead an African church. But that’s political dogma and racism for you.
Entrenched ideals, never mind how mindless, greedy and evil they are, present barriers. But those barriers can be breached and bridges can be built through compassion and love.
Desmond Tutu once said that the way to peace is to talk to your enemy. That’s a tough thing to do but Desmond Tutu’s post apartheid work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission showed that he is a man of his word.
Forgiveness and understanding are not always our natural inclination but they can and do pay dividends.
Archbishop Tutu is 89 years old now. We owe it to him to continue his good work. Times are difficult right now. The Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc worldwide and there are signs of growing civil unrest. We must fight it but, not with fists , guns and hate, we must fight it with peace,love and understanding.