大象传媒

Nelson Mandela, the lawyer, freedom fighter, prisoner, president and world leader, has died.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />听

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It鈥檚 not only Mandela鈥檚 determination to defeat the injustice of apartheid that marked him out as a world statesman.听 Through his long years of imprisonment and the difficult path through which he led his country, his personal charisma, his lack of bitterness and his capacity for hope lit up the way ahead for those around him.听 鈥淭wo roads lead to a beautiful South Africa,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey could be called Goodness and Forgiveness.鈥澨�听

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So Mandela鈥檚 life is an inspiration to all of us who care about freedom and justice.听 Even liberty, power and personal advantage are not enough.听 鈥淭o be free鈥� he said, 鈥渋s not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.鈥�

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So Almighty God, we give you thanks for the life and work of听

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.听听听听 [Xo-li-la-la]

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Nkosi, sikelel' iAfrika; God bless Africa and grant to Mandela鈥檚 beautiful and fertile country peace between friends and peace between strangers.听

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And taking inspiration from Mandela鈥檚 wisdom, passion and courage

we pray for ourselves.听

May our mouths speak for justice,
may our hands work for justice,
but more than any of those,
may our heart and soul long for justice,
until your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.