Exceptional and tireless’ work to build relationship in Sudans recognised

CANON Ian Woodward’s work over more than 25 years to build relationships between Sudan and South Sudan and the Diocese of Salisbury has been recognised with an award from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
His “exceptional and tireless dedication in forging and maintaining lasting relationships between the Sudans and Salisbury Diocese, as well as with other relevant agencies, for over 25 years” has been awarded The Cross of St Augustine.
The award is in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is only awarded to a small number of people each year for exceptional service. The award decision was made before the Archbishop’s resignation.
Canon Ian was ordained after early retirement in 1997, in the Diocese of Salisbury. He connected with the Episcopal Church of Sudan through the diocesan link becoming committee chair from 2016 . He represented Salisbury Diocese at the enthronements of the new Episcopal Primate in Sudan in 2017 and in South Sudan in 2018. At huge personal risk to himself, Ian has visited Salisbury-funded projects in many remote areas, at least one of which was in rebel-held territory.
In the UK, he has developed strong relationships with the Foreign Office Sudans Desk, the Sudans All Party Parliamentary Group, Lambeth Palace and the South Sudan Embassy, updating them on Episcopal Church developments and Salisbury’s support for the churches. Ian was on the Salisbury Diocese Lambeth Hospitality Committee for the visit of the Sudanese and South Sudanese bishops to the UK for the 2022 Lambeth Conference.
Bishop Stephen said: “This award is richly deserved. It has been largely thanks to Ian that the Salisbury-Sudans Partnership Link remains strong and valued. Both I and the Sudans Committee respect and value him enormously for his diplomatic and pastoral lead in this area of work. At a time of much division and civil war, his dedication to bringing people together in Christ is a shining example for us all.”
Ian said: “I am truly amazed and honoured to receive this Cross of St Augustine award and see it as tribute and award to our Diocese and Cathedral in which our Sudans Partnership plays such an important part in our common life. I'm deeply grateful to our parishes and deaneries and those in our Sudans Medical Link who so faithfully and enthusiastically support internal provinces, dioceses, schools and clinics in Sudan and South Sudan for our partnership over more than 50 years - it is, I trust, something in which we can all share.”