5th May, 2015
The World Council of Churches – which represents more than 500 million Christians – has invited its member churches to join in a special day of prayer for South Sudan on Sunday, 10th May.
The focus of the day of prayer will be on those affected by the South Sudanese conflict, for the revival of fruitful peace talks, and for new ways ahead.
The move comes as the world’s newest nation enters the 17th month of a bitter conflict in which tens of thousands of people have died and more than two million have been displaced from their homes. The war, which broke out in December, 2013, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, came two years after the country won independence from its northern neighbour, Sudan.
In April this year, the WCC – in collaboration with the South Sudan Council of Churches – brought together 20 church leaders and representatives from South Sudan and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa to look at fresh ways forward to peace following the collapse of peace talks.
Rev Dr Olav Fyske Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, said church leaders are "playing a significant role to bring peace to South Sudan".
"The churches are representing the people and the civil society and could unite the country. Therefore, the WCC invites its member churches and Christians worldwide to offer special prayers, to restore hope to all people affected by this situation of conflict, and to strengthen all well-intended initiatives.”
For resources including a prayer, hymn and slideshow on South Sudan, see www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-programmes/spiritual-life/wcc-calls-for-a-special-day-of-prayer-for-the-south-sudan-peace-process/
– DAVID ADAMS
