Posted 17 February 2009
Archbishop Desmond Tutu honoured by UCD Literary and Historical Society
Following a live interview in front of an audience of more than 350 students and staff, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the UCD Literary and Historical Society on 16 February 2009.
“The Honorary Fellowship of the UCD Literary and Historical Society is presented to individuals who have had a profoundly beneficial impact on the world around them,” says Ian Hastings, Auditor of the UCD L&H Society.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrives in Astra Hall, Belfield
“Desmond Tutu is one the most stalwart and reasoned defenders of human rights the world has ever seen. His unrelenting campaigning to improve the lives of oppressed people around the world, through non-violent protest and reconciliation continues to be instrumental in enfranchising oppressed people across the globe.”
Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role as a unifying figure in the non-violent struggle against apartheid in South Africa, which was of vital importance for the African continent and for the cause of peace in the world. By awarding the prize, the Nobel Committee wished to draw attention to non-violent struggle for liberation.
Today, Desmond Tutu is respected as a “moral voice.” He is an Anglican Archbishop emeritus who is firm in his religious beliefs, but who also puts great value on religious inclusiveness and interfaith dialogue. He speaks out on behalf of oppressed groups around the world and has been a noted supporter of the Palestinian cause, and the people of East Timor. More recently, he has been an outspoken critic of the mistreatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe.
Ian Hastings, Auditor of the UCD L&H Society presents Archbishop Tutu with the Honorary Fellowship of the Society
Previous recipients of the Honorary Fellowship of the UCD Literary and Historical Society include: Mary Robinson, Sir Bob Geldof, and The Rt. Hon. Robin Cook.
