Boesak's Tambo sermon pulled
2007-02-06 21:18
Cape Town - An invitation to anti-apartheid activist Allan Boesak to speak at Adelaide Tambo's Cape Town memorial service had been withdrawn because of "sensitivities", said Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane on Tuesday.
Ndungane said the clergyman was approached to deliver the homily, or short sermon, at Wednesday's memorial in St George's Cathedral.
"Yesterday afternoon (Monday), I was called by the staff in the cathedral to say there were some people who were not comfortable with Allan preaching and bringing the homily," said Ndungane.
He spoke to Boesak as he did not want "unpleasantness or awkwardness" at the service and to ensure "we bury our great lady with dignity".
Boesak an 'outstanding leader'
"It was in that context, I said 'Allan, there are sensitivities'," said Ndungane.
"Allan graciously accepted the withdrawal of my invitation."
Ndungane said Boesak was "an outstanding leader in his own right".
"While OR and Ma Tambo led in exile, Allan Boesak and Desmond Tutu led the struggle internally - it was right and proper to approach him."
Ndungane said the African National Congress and parliament had helped to organise the service.
Objections to Boesak delivering the homily had not come from church circles, he said.
"The church respects the archbishop and the decisions he takes. We operate ecumenically and have given the pulpit to Allan Boesak many times.
"It's not from the church - it's from the other partners that the cathedral is negotiating with."
ANC parliamentary caucus spokesperson Mpho Lekgoro said a number of people had been proposed to speak at the service.
"There is no special reason why the ANC would not want Boesak - absolutely no reason."
Lashes out at ANC
"There were a series of meetings between the ANC and the church about the programme - the final product was the decision of both parties."
Meanwhile, Boesak lashed out at the ANC on Tuesday after members of the ruling party apparently objected to him delivering the sermon, reported 702 radio news.
Boesak told the radio station he was not angry with the archbishop, but questioned the ANC's motives.
Boesak was not available for comment on Tuesday.
- SAPA