Congratulations to our patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu [2], who has been awarded the 2013 Templeton Prize [3].
Desmond Tutu is one of the greatest living moral icons of our time. From his work against apartheid in South Africa – for which he received the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize – to his championing of democracy, freedom and human rights, he has served as the vocal conscience of a generation.
He was awarded the Templeton Prize for "his life-long work in advancing spiritual principles such as love and forgiveness which has helped to liberate people around the world".
In receiving the award, he joins a prestigious list of individuals including last year’s winner the 14th Dalai Lama and the award’s first winner 40 years ago, Mother Teresa.
When Archbishop Tutu retired in 1996, Nelson Mandela told those at a dinner to honour him:
"His joy in our diversity and his spirit of forgiveness are as much part of his immeasurable contribution to our nation as his passion for justice and his solidarity with the poor."
The Templeton Prize will be presented this evening, 21 May, at Guildhall in London. Find out more at www.templetonprize.org [4]
Desmond Tutu was involved in the work which lead to International Alert’s founding in 1986 and was the first vice-chairman of our Board of Trustees.