Tutu: Voice of the Voiceless

The life of Desmond Tutu is incredible in many ways. Advocates of social justice, racial equality, and Christian spirituality alike can find inspiration from the story of his life's achievements. As Bishop of Lesotho, then General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, then the Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu used his positions within the realm of religion to become one of South Africa's most outspoken advocates for an end to apartheid. What I enjoyed most about Shirley DuBoulay's biography of Desmond Tutu was its faithfulness to Tutu's true personality and character, both the positive and the negative characteristics. For example, DuBoulay is willing to admit that Tutu's calling to the priesthood was not especially strong at first; however, by the time he began life as a priest, everyone saw that he had a unique ability to connect to all different types of people. More than most, he was able to place himself in another person's shoes, and constantly tended to his parishioners' every need. DuBoulay also admitted that Tutu was irresponsible with money, and was overly sensitive in that he allowed his feelings to be hurt easily. However, his positive personality traits greatly outweighed the negative. He had an indomitable spirit, and remained faithful to the idea that all South Africans, black and white, can live together in harmony, despite criticisms from those who looked for blacks to become the top of the racial hierarchy. His incredibly personable demeanor attracted blacks and whites alike to his cause, and would help to heal a divided country. All in all, Tutu lived the Christian ideal of living for others. DuBoulay relays this with many anecdotes from Tutu's life that show first-hand the effect that he had on South Africans and people around the world. A pivotal moment in the book is the Fort Hare strike. Police with dogs, guns, and tear-gas attacked students who were peacefully protesting a racist educational system. Tutu encouraged them and supported them throughout the entire day, and his full-fledged commitment to their cause showed them that he would do more than just speak out against injustice: he would fight it on all fronts. This experience changed Tutu by making him realize that Christianity and advocating for justice went hand-in-hand. Another important moment in Tutu's life was his decision to accept the position of Dean of Johannesburg. He and his family had been living in England and enjoying the freedoms that living outside of apartheid allowed. However, God called him to return to his homeland and respond to the needs of his people, so that is what he did. This decision sent him back into the cruel realities of apartheid - a harsh adjustment for his family, but necessary so that he might fully understand the struggle in which he would play such a large part. A year later, when he became a Bishop, he disliked some responsibilities of the position (those that took him away from his parishioners) but thoroughly en