Archbishop Desmond Tutu Visits St. John's High School

Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke at on Monday night to a sold out audience of well over one thousand people.

His address titled, “God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time,” sent a clear message to all regarding world peace and problems that all of us have the power to help change.

In preparation for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s visit, the students at St. John’s immersed themselves in all aspects of their curriculum incorporating the Archbishop’s writings and philosophy into the classroom.

In reading his book titled, God Has A Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time, class discussions were formed around the idea of the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. The students were also asked to respond to a writing prompt having to do with recognition of our independence, which is called ‘ubuntu,' the essence of being human.

Archbishop Tutu spoke of the challenges that many of us face today with so much going so wrong in the world and yet he still has a way of focusing on all of the positive changes that people make. He gave this example:

“Not too long ago, my wife and I traveled around the world with a group of college students. When we got to Ghana, I couldn’t believe that there is still child slavery. The group founded a nonprofit called Finding Refuge, which seeks to set free these child slaves. Another group produced about 1,000 meals to orphanages. I enjoy interacting with young people. They have the power to make a difference,” Archbishop Tutu said.

“Archbishop Tutu’s work in South Africa and around the world has helped transform individuals and societies,” said St. John’s Headmaster Michael Welch, Class of ’78. “His life of Christian service has changed history on a global scale and serves as an inspiration to all.”

An advocate for peace, forgiveness, racial harmony and democracy, Archbishop Tutu stands by his belief that “the essence of being human is being able to co-exist. That is how God intended it to be.”

He argued that millions die because they don’t have clean water to drink. Millions go to bed hungry. Millions die because they cannot afford cheap inoculations.

“We spend trillions of dollars on instruments of death and destruction. A fraction of that money would ensure clean water, a decent home and a good education,” he said.

Archbishop Tutu is recognized worldwide as a leader. Among his many awards he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. His message to all tonight was simply put. “Go on dreaming. The sky is the limit. Reach for the stars,” he said.

Fred and Sara Curtis and the Betty Curtis Writing Center sponsored his guest appearance. Fred was a St. John’s Class of 1985 graduate.