Desmond Tutu to Receive an Honorary Doctorate From the University of Vienna

VIENNA, Austria - The University of Vienna will confer an honorary doctorate in theology on the South African Theologian and Nobel Laureate, Dr Desmond Tutu. The University substantiates the honour with Tutu’s outstanding achievement in applying a theology of “Ubuntu”. The ceremony will take place at 11.00 AM on 12 June 2009, in the Main Ceremonial Chamber of the University.

Desmond Tutu is among the world’s most distinguished contemporary theologians. He has significantly contributed to theology by integrating the principles of South African “Ubuntu Philosophy” with theological thinking, resulting in a publicly relevant theological orientation. His “Public Theology” is geared towards the public manifestation of its meaning for humanity. As a theology of humaneness and caring, it can be called “Ubuntu Theology” in the deepest sense of the term. The Nguni word “Ubuntu” may be rendered by “compassion” but also by “humanity”.

Desmond Tutu developed his Ubuntu Theology and against the colonial European theological backdrop of white domination, particularly in the context of its climax during the time of Apartheid in South Africa (1948-1990). Finally, he had opportunity to apply it in the course of his work as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In post-Apartheid South Africa, Desmond Tutu has attracted enormous international attention and has had a lasting impact on academic life. Meanwhile programmes in “Public Theology” have become an established part of many theological faculties.

Charity Concert for the “Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation”

Currently, Desmond Tutu is devoted to the battle against HIV/Aids in Africa, with particular concern for Aids orphans. He established the “Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation”, for which the University of Vienna powers a charity concert on 13 June 2009, featuring star tenor Johan Botha and other Viennese musicians.

Contact Dr Friedrich Schipper friedrich.schipper@univie.ac.at Tel.: +43-1-4277-32403

Source: University of Vienna

Contact: Dr Friedrich Schipper, friedrich.schipper at univie.ac.at, Tel.: +43-1-4277-32403