The fourth annual conference of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan took place in Chicago last weekend. The gathering brought together the many partnerships between American and Sudanese dioceses and congregations. These missionary partnerships proclaim Christ in both the Sudan and in the United States and is a signal about how shared mission in Christ’s name can overcome the differences between the two cultures. These relationships both save lives and transform them.
Recently enthroned Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul spoke about how after two decades of civil war, Sudan is enjoying “relative peace” following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005 between the Government of Sudan, based in the north, and the people of southern Sudan. Although the political situation in the country is very fragile, he reported that hundreds of thousands of refugees displaced by the war are starting to return home.
The conference participants came from around the Episcopal Church, representing dioceses and congregations with companion relationships with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) and those seeking to explore new relationships. One quarter of those attending were Sudanese refugees now living in the United States.
And…
A significant part of the conference was devoted to the “nuts and bolts” of companion relationships in Sudan. A series of plenary and small-group sessions provided an opportunity for those already involved in Sudan to share experiences and resources that can lead to effective partnerships. This included the sharing of some remarkable success stories.
Following trips to the Diocese of Kajo Keji in southeastern Sudan by Bishop Paul Marshall, Connie Fegley and others beginning in 2002, the Pennsylvania-based Diocese of Bethlehem launched the “New Hope Campaign.” Most of the funds raised will go to building schools and the Canon Benaiah Poggo College. The campaign has now exceeded its $3.6 million goal and is now striving for a $4.1 million dollar “stretch goal.”
Fegley, speaking on behalf of Marshall, said the project and the diocese’s relationship with the church in Sudan has been exhilarating and energizing. She also noted that Bethlehem has “the same diversity in issues” that other diocese have, but that the mission work in the Sudan “has helped to knit us together.”
“Many people believe this is the most vital aspect of our diocese,” she said.
And
Throughout the conference, given the fragile state of peace and the intense humanitarian need in Sudan, there was a constant theme: take action now. Many presenters said that the Episcopal Church in the Sudan is turning to the Episcopal Church in the United States, with its vast resources, for help at a crucial time.
Jackie Kraus reminded participants that Deng has said that help is needed more now even than in time of war.
“The American church needs to listen to the cries of our brothers and sisters in Sudan,” said Kraus. “We need to give of our resources and become the foundation so they can become self-sufficient.”
Episcopal Life Online: American Friends of Sudan hear challenge to act for peace, basic human needs