On Friday 23 October, 2026, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, hosted a private meeting of ecumenical leaders, faith-based NGOs and government officials at Lambeth Palace, to discuss the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, as the country prepares for its first elections.

The meeting, jointly convened by the Church of England and Christian Aid, was attended by representatives from the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), who outlined the grave political and humanitarian situation in the country and the role churches are playing in peacekeeping, before presenting attendees with a letter and statement, calling for international support.

In response, Archbishop Sarah, Archbishop Richard Moth (Archbishop of Westminster) and the Right Rev Gordon Kennedy (Moderator of the Church of Scotland) presented the South Sudanese delegation with a letter, which read: ” We have heard your longing for peace and have seen your efforts to mobilise communities to build bridges. Your role in peacebuilding is known around the world. In the coming months, it can prevent even greater suffering affecting the people of South Sudan, at this critical and volatile time in the run up to elections.

“We commit to stand with you, in solidarity, in prayer and in the spirit of the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage.

“We also know that far more than elections will be needed for peace. We pray that leaders will have priorities aligned with the heart of Jesus Christ.”