The World Council of Churches has thrown its support behind a day of prayer and fasting for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo which was announced by Pope Francis earlier this month.
To be held on 23rd February, Christians are being asked to pray for the two African nations where millions have been displaced and millions more stand in need of humanitarian aid due to protracted conflicts. Pope Francis announced the initiative earlier this month.
In a letter to WCC member churches, Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, said children, young men, and women have been among the most affected by the ongoing troubles in the nations.
“Millions of women and girls are exposed to gender-based violence in these crisis-affected areas,” he said.
In the letter he also acknowledged the work of churches in accompanying those affected through “challenging times”.
“We acknowledge the courageous and hopeful work that carries on each day to serve the people in need. May the prayers of all Christians on 23 February for the gift of peace be a sign of solidarity and closeness to those suffering in South Sudan and DRC.”
The letter notes that 4.3 million people are displaced in the DRC and 13.1 million will be in need of humanitarian assistance this year while in South Sudan, the past four years of conflict have seen two million people flee the country as refugees while about 1.9 million have been internally displaced. About seven million people – some two thirds of the remaining population – need humanitarian aid.
