CAN mourns Desmond Tutu, says he was potent voice against apartheid regime

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commiserated with the government and the people of South Africa on the death Bishop Desmond Tutu.

In a statement by president of CAN, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, the association described Tutu as “the oracle of God”, who was a potent voice against the now disbanded apartheid system of racial segregation and white minority rule in South Africa.

CAN said Tutu was well known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. “He was also the first African Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996.

“He was also known as a theologian who sought to fuse the  Black Theology with African Theology,” the association said.

The statement read in part: “We recalled with nostalgia when from 1978 to 1985, Tutu was the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. That was when he emerged as one of the most prominent opponents of South Africa’s apartheid system of racial segregation and white minority rule.

“Although an activist yet he was an advocate of non-violent protest and foreign economic pressure to bring about universal suffrage. In 1985, he became Bishop of Johannesburg and in 1986 the Archbishop of Cape Town, the most senior position in southern Africa’s Anglican hierarchy. In this position, he emphasised a consensus-building model of leadership and oversaw the introduction of female priests.

“Tutu played prominent roles that led to the release of the foremost anti-apartheid activist
Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 and they both led the negotiations that ended apartheid and introduce multi-racial democracy. After the 1994 general election resulted in a coalition government
headed by Mandela, Tutu was appointed the chairman of the historic
Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses committed by both pro and anti-apartheid groups. This Commission was used to heal all the wounds of apartheid inflicted on both the Whites and the Blacks. Tutu will always be remembered for his strong support of Palestinians in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict especially his strong belief in Israel’s right to exist.

“His strong criticism against the  perceived anti-people policies under the South African Presidents of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma
further made him a respected voice of the voiceless.

“Our hearts go to his immediate family, the South African Churches and the common man of that country who saw him as their advocate and protector. May God console and comfort them all in Jesus’ Name,” the statement added.