Pastoral letter from the Rt. Rev. Catharine Waynick announcing end of link with Diocese of Bor

March 2, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write to share the sad news that our fourteen year partnership with the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan, has come to an end.

For the past few years the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church in Sudan and South Sudan has been concerned over the actions of several Provinces of the Anglican Communion in which same-sex blessings have taken place.In December of 2015 they passed a resolution requiring that no formal partnerships can be sustained with Dioceses where such blessings occur.

I received a letter from Bishop Ruben Akurdid in mid-February, explaining their position, and thanking me for the partnership we were able to have for these many years. I have responded with a letter expressing my deep disappointment, my hope that in the future such partnerships will again be possible, and assuring him that our hearts and doors are always open to him and our brothers and sisters in Bor.

You are no longer obligated to include the Diocese of Bor in public prayer, but many of you may choose to join me in my promise to Bishop Ruben that he will remain in my own prayers, and that prayers for lasting peace in South Sudan will continue to rise from our hearts.

We will maintain our relationship with Brasilia, and I ask that every parish continue to honor the mandate of our Convention that the Diocese of Brasilia, and their Bishop, Mauricio, be included each week in the prayers of the People.

I am also pleased to tell you that Bishop Mauricio and his wife, Sandra, will be visiting us this coming May 25-31.Please watch for more information about this visit, and if you have something particularly interesting happening in your parish during that time, please let us know.We may be able to arrange to be with you!

I pray your Lenten disciplines are enriching your lives during this holy season.

Blessings,

+Cate