21 September 2007

International Conference on Nonviolent Civilian Protection:
Building the Global Capacity

Dear Friends

I send you my warm greetings. It is increasingly evident that violence is not a solution to any problem. Those in the West thought that invading Iraq would be a solution to international terrorism. They unleashed a whirlwind.

We are created to be interdependent, to cooperate, to work together, to be in relationship with one another. I commend all of you who are seeking to build trust and dialogue in situations of conflict. This is a moral universe. Violence and death are not the last word, no, it is you who have the last word – you are God’s agents to bring union where there is discord, hope where there is fear, love where there is hate.

I commend you and wish you well in your endeavours. May you have a challenging and fruitful conference.

God bless you

(Desmond M Tutu Archbishop Emeritus)
The Most Reverend Desmond M Tutu, O.M.S.G. D.D. F.K.C.
Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
PO Box 1092, Milnerton, Cape Town 7435
Suite 43, Frazzitta Business Park, cnr Freedom Way & Koeberg Road, Milnerton 7441
Tel: (+27) 021 552 7524
Fax: (+27) 021 552 7529
Email: mpilo@iafrica.com