Habitat for Humanity remembers Archbishop Desmond Tutu

ATLANTA, Georgia, USA and CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Dec. 26, 2021) – Habitat for Humanity mourns the loss of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a human rights champion and passionate supporter of a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

“Archbishop Tutu was a personal hero of mine, and an unrivaled champion for those with the least,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “As patron of Habitat for Humanity South Africa for the last two decades, he has been a great advocate for Habitat’s work to extend safe and decent shelter to families across the country. Each time I met with him, I was left awestruck by his shining example of Christ’s love in action. He combined joy with a fierce commitment to justice in such an inspiring way.”

Archbishop Tutu served as patron of Habitat for Humanity South Africa since 2002.

“Indeed, as a country and a global community we have lost of voice for the marginalized and a beacon of moral conscience,” said Kgotla Bantsi, chairman of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity South Africa. “His involvement with Habitat for Humanity was both inspiring and energizing. He brought an unrivaled urgency and importance to our work. He reminded us that we are co-workers with God.”

Of Habitat, Archbishop Tutu once said: “As the physical walls of the home go up, the invisible walls that separate us as people come tumbling down and hope is built in the community.”

Archbishop Tutu also addressed a group of Habitat volunteers in 2007, telling them, “You are helping God.”

“God looks down on the world today and sees you,” Archbishop Tutu said. “And a smile breaks out over God’s face. And a little angel goes up and wipes the tear from God’s eyes. And God smiles, because God sees you doing this fantastic thing.”