The Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan’s diocese of Wau has developed a course titled “Reconcile – Moving Forward in Peace”, inviting people to be peace-builders this Lenten season.
The Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan’s diocese of Wau has developed a course titled “Reconcile – Moving Forward in Peace”, inviting people to be peace-builders this Lenten season.
This initiative from the church comes amidst the conflict in South Sudan which has gravely affected all communities since the country’s independence from Sudan in 2011.
Written by the staff of Wau diocese in the Episcopal Church of Sudan, a member church of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the course engages the community in discussion and prayer. The content gives an African outlook on Christianity and focuses on issues relating to peace. The course tries to stimulate participation, discovery and tackles faith-related issues. Themes include tribalism, causes of friction, domestic violence and the understanding of peace.
The course can be obtained for free at the Wau diocese website and is scheduled over six sessions.
“Terrible things have happened in South Sudan, things that must end for us to know peace. But peace will not come without reconciliation,” said Bishop Moses Deng-Bol of Wau Diocese. “This course aims to show reconciliation in the Bible as it teaches,” he added.
“We hope that there will be a joyful and peaceful Easter celebration this year. This is a special time for us. Please remember us and all the challenges facing South Sudan in your prayers, especially the peace mobilizers who are working so hard to bring reconciliation to every part of South Sudan,” said Deng-Bol.
“The WCC has received with appreciation the news about the course on reconciliation developed by the dioceses of Wau. It is a welcome contribution to the implementation of the invitation from the WCC 10th Assembly inviting all churches to join the pilgrimage of justice and peace,” said Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, the WCC associate general secretary for Public Witness and Diakonia.
“This is a clear example of the ministry of the church in the context of suffering. We become the channel of healing from Jesus Christ to suffering communities.”
“May God bless and expand such healing ministries to all the communities where the people of God are suffering as a result of internal and external conflicts,” added Phiri.