Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Archbishop Desmond Tutu accepted the Chartered Institute of Public Relations' President's Medal on 12 June to mark his outstanding, lifelong commitment to working for democracy through open and honest communications. The award was presented in Harrogate, England, by Anne Gregory FCIPR, the Institute's President in 2004.

Anne Gregory said: 'Archbishop Tutu has dedicated years of his life to the pursuit of justice and racial harmony through communications. He has placed communications at the heart of everything he does and by doing so has harnessed its power."'In South Africa he has been instrumental in bringing about democracy, a system that only works if communication is two-way and transparent."

"The bold approach he takes and the issues he raises for discussion, diversity, politics, religion and disease, have sometimes led to controversy and yet he has had the courage never to fall into the trap of being silent. He is a positive voice, highlighting the need for understanding, reconciliation and liberalisation, in a media age that often focuses on the negative aspects of difference."

"These are, to name but a few, some of the reasons why Archbishop Tutu is a worthy recipient of this award.'

Archbishop Tutu said: "I am delighted to receive this honour. Communication is a great force for good in society. It allows us to reach, learn, understand and respect one another. It is through communication that we can progress: overcome obstacles, achieve our goals and generate new ones."

"Good communication, therefore, should be prized and nurtured. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations has an important role to play in doing this, as it exists to advance and raise the standards of communications practice through sharing knowledge."