Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu

12.31.2021 - Adult Conferences, Camp Kanuga, Camps & Outdoor Education, Conference & Retreat, Giving to Kanuga, Guest Periods, Kanuga Stories, Our Programs

The world suffered a deep loss with the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu on December 26, 2021. Kanuga remembers him with love and gratitude as we recall his visits. In 2002, Trinity Wall Street and Kanuga partnered to present a spiritual formation conference that featured Tutu as the keynote speaker. His presence for that event—as well as his subsequent visit for The Institute for Servant Leadership—had long-lasting influence on all who had the honor of attending.

Recalling his work as the 2002 conference photographer, long-time friend of Kanuga, Robin Smith said, “I have never been in the presence of a more humble and Holy person. A lighting crew had transformed the Kanuga gym into a glorious cathedral using color lighting and canvas at a very low light level…” “…the Holy Spirit took over.”

The Archbishop found the human connection to nature and beauty in thin places like Kanuga essential, saying in an NPR interview, “We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and to be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked with dew… Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful… and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.”

Rest in peace, dear servant.

Photo by Robin Smith