ICCR Tribute to Nelson Mandela

The ICCR community mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, champion for equality and human rights, peacemaker and icon of hope for reconciliation and justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and countrymen.

Forty-three years ago, witnessing the selfless struggle of Mandela and others who rejected the inequality and racism symbolized by the apartheid system, faith-based investors continents away were inspired to partner with the freedom movement by using their collective voice as shareholders to help bring economic pressure to bear against the South African government. It was in seeking the end of apartheid that ICCR first forged its beginning and helped give birth to the shareholder advocacy movement as recalled in this podcast by one of ICCR's founders, Paul Neuhauser.

Mandela’s quiet tenacity continues to give promise to the oppressed, enslaved, and exploited the world over and his legendary humility and commitment to genuine reconciliation are at the core of ICCR’s mission and always will be. With an estimated 21 million men, women and children worldwide still enslaved, we are united in our shared responsibility to continue to fight against injustice wherever and whenever we encounter it. This was Mandela's lifelong message and his passing will not diminish its relevance in our world.

As Mandela said “After climbing a great hill, one only finds many more to climb.” With his spirit to guide us, we will continue to bear witness, to testify, to advocate and raise our voices for justice…we will continue the climb in his name.

Godspeed!

Laura Berry
Executive Director

On behalf of the grateful members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility