The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu was given the first Archbishop of Canterbury's Award for Outstanding Service to the Anglican Communion during a service of thanksgiving for his ministry June 23 at the Cathedral of St. George, Cape Town.

Archbishop Tutu retired as Metropolitan of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa and Archbishop of Cape Town, and was presented the award by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. George Carey.

"It has long been my intention to introduce a special award, which would be made only very rarely; an award to individuals from around the Anglican Communion who, through their lifetime, make a quite outstanding contribution to the life of the Communion, and to our own witness in the world," Archbishop Carey said. "There could be no more suitable person to receive this first award."

Archbishop Tutu also received an award from President Nelson Mandela of South Africa. He was presented the Order for Meritorious Service for his outstanding service in the public interest. It was the first time a South African citizen has received the award. In the past, foreign heads of state have received the award.

Archbishop Carey also preached the sermon at the service of thanksgiving.

"For me, the story of South Africa and Desmond's laughter have been inseparable," he said. "Quick to protest over injustice, his irrepressible joy with good, noble things has been outstanding. His laughter ringing out has given courage and confidence to a downtrodden people."