n a bitter February day Keble
played host to the Archbishop of Cape
Town, Desmond Tutu, as he began a week-long mission to the University.
The Archbishop could only squeeze in visits to four colleges during his
hectic round of discussions and speeches - and Keble was one of the
lucky ones.
Chaplain John Davies beat off stiff competition to secure a place on
Archbishop TutuÕs schedule for the College Eucharist. The effort
evidently paid off as the Archbishop was greeted in Chapel by a huge
congregation of College members. With delight reminiscent of his TV
appearances after the South African elections, he faced his audience
and said with a broad smile, "Wow!"
Having been welcomed by the Warden, he thanked, on behalf of the people of South Africa, everyone in Britain and the University for the support which those struggling against apartheid had received. In a sermon combining conviction with humour, the Archbishop examined the responsibilities of the Christian fraternity in both religion and politics, making the point that "there is no ideology, political or otherwise, that can match the Bible in its radicalness."
After the service Archbishop Tutu joined members of the College for coffee in Hall. In what amounted to a royal walkabout, his diminutive Þgure disappeared in the crowds eager to shake his hand or exchange a word. He expressed his delight at the architecture of the Chapel and the brightness of its colours, and made reference to the significant number of South African clergy who are Old Members of the College.
His visit was brief, yet it left the distinctive impression of a man at home in both political and religious arenas, and of his ability to inßuence events through that combination in a quite remarkable way. The College also was inßuenced: by a charismatic personality and a vivid message.
C.C.G. 
the brick issue 3 - Hilary Term 1995
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