Bishop Tutu
Pretoria – Former Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been awarded the 2013 Templeton Prize, which comes with a $1.7-million bonus, for his life-long work in advancing spiritual principles such as love and forgiveness.
“His deep faith and commitment to prayer and worship provides the foundation for his message of love and forgiveness,” the Templeton Foundation said on its website.
The Templeton Prize was conceived by the American-born British stock investor Sir John Templeton, to honour a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical works.
The first winner was Mother Teresa in 1973.
President Jacob Zuma congratulated Tutu on his prize, saying: “The country was extremely proud of this recognition to one of our own”.
“Even in his retirement, the Archbishop continues to inspire our country and its people to do more every day to realise the universal goal of a better life for all. This honour is therefore well-deserved indeed,” said President Zuma.
Tutu will receive the prize at a public ceremony at the Guildhall in London on May 21. – SAnews.gov.za
