The Passing Away of Dr. Beyers Naude

greenspun.com : LUSENET : A.M.E. Today Discussion : One Thread

While we mourn his loss, we celebrate his celebrate his life and legacty, said Bishop James Davis of the 19th Episcopal District in a statement released on September 7.

Dr. Beyers Naude, 89 years old, an anti-apartheid cleric who was ostrcised by his denomination for taking a stand against the dehumanising apartheid ideology, passed away on Monday, September 7th, 2004, in Johannesburg. He will be cremated and his scattered in Alexandra, a black township which took him in when his own, the afrikaners, ostracised him, after a special official funeral ceremony is held on September 18, 2004, in Johannesburg.

He stands in the tradition of great Afrikaner like Bram Fischer, Betty du Toit, etc. shining as a beacon to al South Africans. In the words of Archbishop Tutu, Oom Bey (affectionaly known) helped the Africans not to be consumed by hatred but to hope for reconciliation of races when it was clear who would be their enemies. He helped many of us to know that there are whites who were willing to suffer alongside us in order to have a free, democratic and non-racial South African society.

We are grateful to his wife and his family for letting him be the father of many in our township. To him we are indebted for his selflessness. Our freedom is a result of pouring his life out and be brave to take a stand against injustice. He is a moral reference to our liberation.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2004

Answers

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2004

This is no loss for South Africa!! He fought the fight, he kept the faith and surely we expect nothing more that in some way be one day able to see him receive that glorious crown.

One thing about Dr. Naude - wish we could all emmulate - he did what God purposed for him - and humbly step down - out of the lime-light.

A great tribute to him , if we could continue in the way he did, with what he did.

Love

Clive

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2004


Moderation questions? read the FAQ