About

Why “Rabble-Rouser for Peace”?

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The origins of this book lie in my experiences as the religion correspondent of The Star, Johannesburg, in the period immediately following the Soweto uprising of June 1976. With the liberation movements in exile, and parliamentary representation limited to whites, the churches provided arguably the most representative platforms for public debate on the politics of the day and the future of the country.

At the 1976 national conference of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), at the provincial synod of the Anglican Church later that year, and at ensuing SACC national conferences, Desmond Tutu emerged as the most powerfully eloquent, impassioned and compassionate voice for justice and reconciliation of his time.

“A riveting book... A profound portrait” - Comments on “Rabble-Rouser”

Commentators, writers and leaders have provided pre-publication comments for the jacket of “Rabble-Rouser for Peace.” Among comments which will be used, on the jackets of either the U.S. or S.A./U.K. editions:

A superb book, showing what an extraordinary peacemaker—and warm human being—Desmond Tutu is. It makes fascinating reading.”Mary Robinson, President, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globablization Initiative, and Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Apartheid never defeated (Desmond Tutu) because of his passionate belief that the status of every human being is God-given and indelible… This book tells his story: how he overcame illness and every kind of opposition—from the misguided to the blatantly wicked—with faith, determination, exuberance and an irrepressible sense of humour. These are Christlike gifts… I read (Rabble Rouser for Peace) with a growing sense of admiration and gratitude. I shall read it again. If you choose to read it, it will warm you and make you laugh, dance and cry with Tutu.” — +Sentamu Ebor, Archbishop of York

“This is a riveting book. John Allen has given us a profound portrait of one of the few great human beings of our age and of the country he did so much to save. He shows Archbishop Tutu in all his courage, his uproarious humor, his passion. And he discloses much that happened behind the scenes in the struggle that finally brought a peaceful revolution to South Africa.” — Anthony Lewis, former New York Times columnist

About the author

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John AllenJohn AllenJohn Allen, managing editor of the African news website, allAfrica.com, is a South African journalist with experience in newspapers, news agencies, a journalists’ union, churches and South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Born in Zimbabwe to South African parents, he left school to become a journalist on The Star, Johannesburg, where his reporting included political trials, education and the churches. After 11 years and a short spell with the SA Press Association, he became a full-time official of a journalists’ union—which he also served as president—for five years.

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