Archbishop's sadness at death of Wangari Maathai
Friday 30th September 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has expressed his sadness on learning of the death of Wangari Maathai."I note with great sadness the death of Professor Wangari Muta Maathai, environmentalist, advocate for social justice and Nobel Peace Laureate. Professor Maathai has been an inspiration to the Church and global community in her commitment to restoring a world where humanity and the environment can flourish in harmony, with peace and justice. In my visit to Kenya in June this year I was reminded once again of the extraordinary impact of the Green Belt Movement in empowering communities to have sustainable livelihoods while restoring the environment.
I was especially inspired by the words offered by Professor Maathai to the Global Anglican Congress on the Stewardship of Creation:
“The growing awareness that the world is interdependent, inter-linked and a common neighbourhood should be a source of our inspiration. We must remain motivated and persevering.”
Vision, courage and perseverance were the mark of Wangari Maathai’s life and will remain a profound and enduring inspiration to us all."