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1958 – 1962

A Renewed Purpose

Managing studies, a family and priesthood, Tutu was awarded for his efforts through promotion and recognition.

Through much deliberation, Tutu joined the priesthood, offering himself to the Bishop of Johannesburg to become a priest. Once admitted as a sub-deacon at Krugersdorp, in 1958, he enrolled at St Peter’s Theological College in Rosettenville.

Excelling at his studies, Tutu was awarded the licensee of Theology with two distinctions. He was then ordained as a deacon in December 1960 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Johannesburg and took up his first curacy at St Albans Church in Benoni.

Rearing three children by 1960, Tutu was ordained as a priest and transferred to a new church in Thokoza. Tutu and his family then left to further his studies in Britain, London after having been given a bursary to study at King’s College, as well as being awarded a scholarship by the World Council of Churches (WCC).

London proved to be an exciting and rewarding experience for Tutu and his family having suffocated during Apartheid in South Africa. He completed his Honour’s and Master’s degree and graduated in 1966.