As we celebrate 90 years of faithful work for justice and equity this year, we’re sharing stories of 90 Years Rooted in Faith that reflect the heart of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Each month, you’ll hear from staff and long-time friends of the Council as they highlight the transformative impacts we’ve had on our community and our vision for the future. Stay tuned for these inspiring reflections throughout the year!
by: The Reverend Nancy Ferree-Clark
Years before I was a member of the Governing Board for the North Carolina Council of Churches, I had the privilege of participating in one of the Council’s most exciting events during its 90-year history, the visit of South African Bishop Desmond Tutu. The event was put together by the Council and the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, but hosted by us at Duke Chapel, where I then served as the Assistant Minister to the University.
The year was 1986, when the world had finally woken up the horrendous reality of apartheid regime in South Africa. Our own campus had experienced student protests months earlier during the 1985 commencement weekend (your executive director’s undergraduate commencement, as it turns out) as students erected shanties on the steps of Duke Chapel and the walkways to the student center to highlight the effects of the apartheid regime and move the Duke Trustees toward divestment.
Bishop Tutu’s visit was not devoid of these political realities and attendees had lined up early that morning to gain entrance for the 8:00 p.m. event (basketball not being the only thing Duke students will stand in line to support). The wait became longer as we learned Bishop Tutu’s flight from Atlanta would be delayed. After some quick brainstorming about how to proceed, the Chapel staff decided to turn the WTVD special broadcast into an extemporaneous hymn song that would last until the bishop arrived, no matter how long that took.
I huddled beside the console of the Aeolian organ with the Chapel Music Director, Ben Smith, as we called out one hymn number after another after another to the Chapel Organist. Thank goodness for her incredible gifts as organist and calm demeanor under fire because this continued for about fifty minutes. Ten minutes before the hour-long broadcast was to end, Bishop Tutu walked through the rear doors of Duke Chapel having been whisked to the Chapel with blue lights flashing by the Chief of Duke Public Safety.
As luck, or the Spirit, would have it, the congregation was in the middle of “How Firm a Foundation,” as the beloved bishop made his way down the historic aisle of Duke Chapel. Applause mingled with the words of the final two stanzas:
“When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”
“The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”
Bishop Tutu reached the pulpit as the hymn ended, but the applause continued for another full minute. I’ve never been so moved by a hymn as I was that night. Many others clearly shared my intense emotions because I didn’t see a dry eye in the sanctuary as we waited for Bishop Tutu to begin speaking.
He was at ease as a preacher and yet powerful in his preaching. With only 10 minutes remaining in the broadcast he spoke with great delight about the abundant love of God which cradles us all, no matter who we are. He kept talking about love- the love of God for each of us which inspires us to love others, including the last and the least. His presence communicated as much as his words. His very existence, his own story, offered us hope that with God’s help nonviolent resistance would bring down the brutal apartheid regime which had denied the basic humanity of black South Africans for far too long. He was right; Apartheid legislation was repealed five years later.
Clearly the bishop knew what he was talking about. He was himself an overflowing fountain of faith, hope and love, showing the world the way of God’s peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Reverend Nancy Ferree-Clark
The Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark served in multiple leadership roles at Duke University over nearly three decades. She began her ministry as Assistant Minister to the University (1984–1989), followed by her appointment as Associate Dean of Duke Chapel (1989–1991). In 1992, she became the Pastor of the Congregation at Duke Chapel, a role she faithfully held until 2010. In addition to her pastoral leadership, Rev. Ferree-Clark contributed her guidance and insight as a member of the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Governing Board from 2006 to 2010.
Join us in continuing this legacy of justice and courage. Your gift supports the Council’s work for equity and compassion across North Carolina. Donate today.
