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286 PROPHETIC SPEECHES The Christian Church in Africa is confronted by a nationalist uprising, but also by a great need. Through its schools, its worship, its doctrine, the Church helped to set this revolution in motion. The nationalist cause is not in itself anti-Christian; in fact, in so far as it presses for freedom for the individual, for social justice for all, without distinction of race, its principles are Christian. In Nyasaland, the late Mr. Dunduzu Chisiza was deeply concerned because so many African nationalist leaders appeared to have left the organi m ised Church. He pled that African leaders should depend more fully upon the Christian faith. In Tanganyika, Mr. Julius Nyerere, who is a devout Catholic, gives Christian leadership to his people. In Ghana, Dr. Roseveare fearlessly criticises godlessness amongst the nation’s youth and is expelled by the gove m ernment, but we have not seen the defeat of the Christian religion in Ghana. In Lagos, Prime Minister Abubakah Tafawa Balewa is a devout Muslim, and as I said goodbye to him some months ago, he said: “Pray for us, for without God’s help we will not solve Nigeria’s difficulties.” The leaders of the nationa m alist cause in Africa are not godless men. In Southern Rhodesia, so many nationalists and their leaders are Christian men: Christian men who see hope in the nationalist cause, who condemn murder, the use of petrol bombs and violence against any man, black or white. Whether African or European, we should be able to come together, to work together, to live together in security and harmony. In our land the Church is today challenged to bring her leaders m ship, her prayers, her spiritual powers, her practical action in word and deed to achieve an atonement between black and white. Danger! Men Thinking! The First Feetham Lecture The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, where Todd studied in the medical school for one year, established the Richard Feetham Memorial Lecture in 1959 to support the university’s dedication to the ideals of academic freedom. While various academi m ics have appropriately delivered this annual address, Todd was given the first of two invitations to deliver the address on August 6, 1964. The university has a history of independent thought and concern for social justice in the South African context and so Todd was considered an appropriate choice. He did not disappoint on either occasion. Todd reframed the issue of academic freedom to the larger quest m tion of political freedom needed for a true democracy. Underlying Casey.Rhetoric.indd 300 1/9/07 11:12:45 AM his entire argument against racism, intimidation, and undemocratic restrictions is Todd’s belief in Christian ideals and the incarnation of Christ: “Many of us believe that the most critical moment of hist m tory was posed over the minority of one, and Him crucified. At that moment the world held no hope—“What is truth?” Pilate had asked. The promise given to men is that we shall yet know the truth and that it shall set us free. I believe that truth alone can set us free so that he who finds freedom for himself and for his fellows must seek truth with clear eyes, an open mind, and a resolute heart.” Even in the dark days of the 1960s Todd could see hope as he pled for change. Later in the speech he said, “I wish with all my heart that I could show you how easily the impossible will happen. I cannot, but there are two things I will say for I say them continually to myself. The first is that the impossible continually happens, and the second is that your responsib m bility starts with yourself.” These quotes still do not do justice to this powerful speech. The text is from the Todd papers in the possession of Susan Paul. Racing, rugby and mountain climbing are some of the hallmarks of youth. There are others, and to the list, in your country and in mine, we might add another dangerous thrill, that of thinking. I quote from an article by a student at the University College, Salisbury: “The challenge to every student in this college lies in the fact that the guilt of all wrongful actions in Rhodesia, restriction without trial, repugnant legislat m tion, petrol bombing, etc. rests on all those who do not actively disassociate themselves from, and work for the eradication of, a system...

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