Statement on the Passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Friends and Colleagues,

The world has lost a giant of peace and a peerless voice for the rights of all people to live in dignity. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a man who made lasting peace. His vision, which led to the creation of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was a genuine advance for humanity. He never lost his vigorous spirit for human rights anywhere and everywhere. It was the honor of a lifetime when he accepted the Professorship in Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins to be named in his honor (and of course he cackled with laughter over the suggestion before accepting.) He not only fought the evil of the Apartheid system, but took on his church over the full ordination of women, and became a global champion for LGBTQ people everywhere. We send love and condolences to his beloved family, and we are profoundly grateful for the life and for the work of this extraordinary man who signed his texts and messages, simply, “Arch.”

Chris Beyrer, Desmond M. Tutu Professor in Public Health and Human Rights