Dear Friends of the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice,

I warmly invite you to consider signing this "queer kairos document," which we are issuing in partnership with several other collectives, centres and organisations including:

Gatvol #churchtoo Collective 
IAM - Inclusive and Affirming Ministries
Ujamaa Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal 
Centre for Black Thought and African Studies, Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary
Triangle Project 
Hope Africa, The Social Development Programme of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa
Gender DynamiX
Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation 

We feel a deep responsibility to use this platform to gather signatories in response to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Provincial Synod decision on 26 September 2024, which rejected prayers and blessings for queer siblings in civil unions.

Rooted in liberation theological scholarship at the intersections of gender, sexuality, and religion, this document reflects our personal commitment to sexual diversity, freedom, and human rights. We are profoundly inspired by the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in whose name this centre stands. While we do not speak on his behalf, we are moved by his powerful words: “I would not go to a homophobic heaven! I would rather go to that other place.”

Why is this so urgent?

Kairos, by its very nature, calls us to act in the present moment. While the document may not be without its flaws, and may lack certain theological or sociological elements, it is not intended to be a perfect manifesto. Instead, it seeks to create space for those feeling anger, hurt, and frustration with the church, urging us all toward action.

Unlike the original Kairos document, which was constrained by the technology of its time and required physical gatherings to create, we now have the opportunity to act swiftly and in real-time. We encourage you to share this document widely and add your name, amplifying our collective voice in this critical moment.

Where might this lead? The words of Jesus, “Let all who have ears to hear, hear,” feel particularly relevant here. We encourage you to use this document within your churches and communities to encourage meaningful and constructive dialogue.

This is just the beginning. It is not meant to be comprehensive or final, but to ignite a movement for justice that we hope will grow in strength and visibility. For those concerned by the document’s tone of anger, we ask that you consider the “power of anger in the work of love,” as emphasized by scholars like Beverly Wildung Harrison and bell hooks, as well as the prophets of old, including Jesus himself.

Let us, together, kindle this flame for justice.

In solidarity and love (always love!)

Sarojini Nadar  
Desmond Tutu Research Chair in Religion and Social Justice

Click on this link to access the document