[EDS] Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize, will be in residence at Episcopal Divinity School during the spring semester. He is intentionally known for his historic opposition to the South African system of apartheid, and for his tireless efforts for equality and peace throughout the world. At EDS, he will lead a seminar on issues in global Christianity.

Archbishop Tutu and his wife, Leah Nomalizo Shenxane, will live on campus during the spring semester January to June, and he will deliver the commencement address in May 2002. EDS President and Dean Seven Charleston has expressed the "joy of the entire EDS community at the prospect of welcoming this legendary leader for peace and justice into out midst." Bishop Charleston adds that "the Tutus will be a part of our life, study, and worship, and a priceless gift to our school. And we hop in turn to provide them with a chance to relax and reflect." Their daughter, Mpho Tutu, is a student a EDS studying for the Master's of Divinity degree.

Initially trained as a teacher, Archbishop Tutu received his theology training at St. Peter's Theological College in Johannesburg and King's College, University of London in England. He was ordained an Anglican priest in 1961. He continued teaching until 1972 when he became the first black to hold the position of Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg, and three years later became the first black to be General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. In 1979, he called for economic sanctions against the South African government, a method of opposition to apartheid that caught fire world-wide and ended in abolition of the system.

Archbishop Tutu became the first black Anglican Archbishop of Capetown in 1986. In 1995, Nelson Mandela, then president of South Africa, appointed him to serve as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission investigating human rights violations during 1960-1994. Reflecting on his work on the commission, the archbishop wrote No Future Without Forgiveness. Among his other noteworthy works are The Divine Intention and Hope and Suffering. He is the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates and peace prizes.

EDS is located on a historic campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard and in close proximity to other major universities and theological schools in the Boston area. The school is deeply committed to justice, compassion, reconciliation, and genuine inclusiveness.