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WCC congratulates Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday

"It was amazing to see you celebrating your birthday together with more than 50,000 people from all walks of life in London Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago. I was impressed not so much by the stars who lined up to sing and perform for you, but by the many young people who cheered and were encouraged by your presence, and by your wise words "it is now in your hands". This gives hope to all of us that there will be real freedom for all!", said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter of congratulation to Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday.

Nelson Mandela addressing the WCC's Jubilee Assembly in Harare in 1998.

Nelson Mandela addressing the WCC's Jubilee Assembly in Harare in 1998.

18 July 2008

"It was amazing to see you celebrating your birthday together with more than 50,000 people from all walks of life in London Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago. I was impressed not so much by the stars who lined up to sing and perform for you, but by the many young people who cheered and were encouraged by your presence, and by your wise words "it is now in your hands". This gives hope to all of us that there will be real freedom for all!", said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter of congratulation to Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday.

Read the full text of Samuel Kobia's letter to Nelson Mandela