The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for prayer ahead of an historic joint visit to South Sudan with Pope Francis and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland this week.
The Archbishop said the church leaders are making their Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan “as servants” to “amplify the cries of the South Sudanese people” who continue to suffer from conflict, flooding and famine.
The Diocese of Salisbury’s Partnership link with the Sudans is 50 years old. Bishop Stephen echoed the call to pray for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.
Bishop Stephen said: “This weekend’s joint visit is a historic moment and an important symbol of reconciliation. We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in South Sudan, for peace and for justice to prevail. Our links with the people of Sudan are deeply rooted in Christian fellowship, dialogue and support through health care, education, development and advocacy and we pray our Partnership will continue to flourish.”
The Ecumenical Network on South Sudan, of which the Diocese of Salisbury is a member, has issued a statement pledging to work with church leaders to bring about peace in South Sudan.
“The Ecumenical Network on South Sudan joins church leaders from across South Sudan. Along with them, we pledge to continue our efforts to help bring about a lasting “just peace” in South Sudan through our support to spiritual renewal, advocacy, dialogue, reconciliation, and trauma healing, while encouraging all non-violent means to bringing this positive change in society.
With the committed support of the international community, we must redouble our humanitarian, peacebuilding and diplomatic efforts. Further suffering can be prevented if action is taken now, turning our attention away from this will cost lives and fast.
Despite these setbacks, decades of marginalisation, bitter conflict, and fear and oppression, we are committed to redoubling our efforts in support of the people of South Sudan, and our common hope for a united and peaceful nation remains as firm as ever. We call for our brothers and sisters in the global Church, in the Church across South Sudan, and for governments worldwide to turn their attention to South Sudan during this historical pilgrimage and join us in strengthening efforts and resources to support the people of South Sudan in their work of renewal and transformation, as they restore hope and continue to build a peaceful, just and thriving nation.”
A prayer has been written by the South Sudan Council of Churches for this weekend’s visit:
Our Heavenly Father, you sent us your son Jesus Christ as our Shepherd and the Holy Spirit to make us one in you. Bless, guide and protect your servants, His Holiness Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields as they come for the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan.
Look with favour upon your Church in South Sudan, O Lord
Send your Holy Spirit upon the Faith Leaders, and the entire people of God and continue the work of renewal and transformation in South Sudan.
Grant political leaders in South Sudan, the spirit of compromise, commitment, wisdom, trust and understanding, to lead your people in the ways of peace, healing , justice , forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Almighty God, may the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of the Eminent Global Church Leaders increase in us the virtue of love, hope, faith, peace, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, and unity.
We pray this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
