Archbishop Desmond Tutu remembered at Choral Evensong

About the service

The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:

'We give thanks for Desmond Tutu’s humility and humour; for his faith, and for his discipline and discernment. We remember with thanksgiving his courageous commitment to reconciliation and justice; his hope and his understanding of our freedom under God. We celebrate the good he did and the example he set before us.

As we remember him, let us remember, as he would wish, those for whom he prayed, the leaders of the nations, the poor, the fearful, the sick and those who mourn. Inspired by his life of faith, may each of us play our part as witnesses to God’s coming Kingdom.’

Lessons were read by the Reverend David Stanton, Canon-in-Residence, and Edith Slee, Founder of the Tutu Foundation UK.

Prayers were said by:

• Brother Philip Nichols, The Community of the Resurrection
• Cassandra Goad, family friend
• Joseph Duncan, Youth Futures
• Mark Murray, Youth Futures
• Thomas Beavon, Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police Service
• The Right Honourable The Lord Hain

The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England and Metropolitan, pronounced the Blessing.

The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Archbishop Tutu’s daughter, gave the Address.

Listen to the Address

About Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996 - the first black African to hold either position.

Archbishop Tutu visited the Abbey in 2014 to preach at a service of thanksgiving for the life of his great friend President Nelson Mandela.

Archbishop Tutu died on 26 December 2021.

Order of Service

Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the life and work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Order of Service (PDF, 757KB)