12/06/2013: Bishop Suffragan Gayle E. Harris and retired bishops suffragan Bud Cederholm and Barbara C. Harris issued the following statement today in remembrance of Nelson Mandela:
With breaking hearts, love and prayers, we join with millions upon millions in South Africa and the world in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, prophet, hero and champion of equality and freedom.
While we deeply grieve the loss of his life, especially the personal loss to our sisters and brothers in South Africa, we also give thanks to God for Nelson’s life of sacrifice and service. His life and witness have been a clarion call to the world to respect the dignity of every human being.
We thank God for Nelson’s passionate leadership in the work of the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation, leaving an enduring legacy in South Africa and the world.
We join with those who grieve, and we will remember and celebrate his life and legacy as he journeys home to the heart of God’s eternal love, rest and freedom.
The best way all can honor Nelson is by pledging to carry on his unfinished work of truth telling, reconciliation and striving for equality for all humanity. It may seem that a light for freedom and equality has been extinguished by his death, but we know he has enkindled that fire in countless others.
Nelson, precious child of God, you have been a brother and father to all. We love you and will never forget you. Your legacy inspires us to strive for justice and peace for all.
The Rt. Rev. Gayle Elizabeth Harris, Bishop Suffragan
The Rt. Rev. Bud Cederholm, Bishop Suffragan, Retired
The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, Bishop Suffragan, Retired
# # #
Related articles:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's statement
Measure of the man: Local priest from South Africa remembers Mandela