Archbishop Desmond Tutu gave an impassioned speech of inclusiveness and love when he spoke at the May 8 inaugural fundraising luncheon for Community Support Services, Inc. The west suburban Brookfieldbased non-profit organization provides support to disab
The Nobel Peace Prize winning Tutu, known for his global humanitarianism, reflected on a number of conflicts and atrocities going on in the world today that, he said, draws the ire of God. “When God looks downà God weeps,” he told the audience at the event held at the Chicago Hotel InterContinental, 505 N. Michigan Ave. In particular, he made reference to apartheid in his native South Africa, telling how the racially damning system divided that nation.
Praising Community Support Services’ efforts in helping individuals with such disorders as autism and Down syndrome, Tutu told of famous, highly respected world leaders and artisans, as well as others, who succeeded despite having disabilities. Tutu pointed out former South African president, Nelson Mandela’s, hearing impairment and Beethoven’s deafness, as examples of iconic people whose gifts affected the world.
Citizens with disabilities, the softspoken archbishop said, are “able to enrich us as we participate with them and Godà to make this a more caring worldà more compassionate world.” Community Support Services aids families in 53 communities in west suburban Cook County and eastern DuPage County. The agency boasts helping over 600 families of people with developmental disabilities since its inception in 1981.
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