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al gore  |  desmond tutu - May 2009

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa. He received his Licentiate in Theology in 1960 from St. Peter's Theological College, Johannesburg, and was ordained to priesthood in 1961. Shortly after his ordination, Tutu obtained his Bachelor of Divinity Honors and Master of Theology degrees from King's College, University of London, England.

From 1967 to 1978, Tutu served in a number of increasingly prominent academic and ministerial positions in Africa and the United Kingdom.

Upon taking the post of General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) in 1978, Tutu became both a national and international figure. While serving in this position, he vigorously pursued the SACC's goals of justice and reconciliation, and an end to apartheid. The SACC became an important institution in South African spiritual and political life, challenging white society and the government and affording assistance to the victims of apartheid.

As Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu bridged the chasm between black and white Anglicans in South Africa and became principal mediator and conciliator in the transition to democracy in South Africa. In 1995, he was appointed Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body which probed gross human rights violations that occurred under apartheid. Shortly after his retirement as Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu was granted the honorary title of Archbishop Emeritus.

Tutu has held several distinguished academic and world leadership posts, and holds honorary degrees from more than 131 universities. He has also held several distinguished academic and world leadership posts. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient, the Archbishop has received several honours for his work and dedication to improving the human condition worldwide.

In recent years, Tutu has turned his attention to the campaign against HIV/AIDS. He travels the world to help raise awareness of the disease and its tragic consequences in human lives.