News from the Episcopal Church of Sudan
All the latest from various areas of Sudan
This page is a page of news directly from the Episcopal Church in Sudan and people working or visiting Sudan.
Archbishop Daniel's Statement
See the statement made by Archbishop Daniel Deng at the African Bishop's Conference in Kampala recently. Follow the link to a PDF copy
A Report from Trevor Stubbs
Trevor has been in touch with his latest report from Bishop Gwynne Theological College. A PDF copy can be had from the link below:
New Kajo-Keji Newsletter
Kajo-Keji diocese has a strong link with Devizes Deanery in Salisbury diocese click here to learn more Kajo-Keji project .
Yei Diocese Newsletter Now Out
The Witness, the official newsletter of Yei Diocese is now available. Get your copy from the link below.
A Report from Torit
Bishop Bernard Oringa has produced a report of news from his diocese of Torit in the deep South of Sudan. Read a PDF copy here.
From Lost Boy to Bishop
The Episcopal Church of Sudan’s Diocese of Aweil has consecrated the Rt. Rev. Abraham Yel Nhial as its first bishop. He was elected on July 16 and consecrated two days later. Read more here
Mundri Offices Completed
The long awaited dedication of the Bishop’s Court in Mundri has finally taken place on Sunday 25th July 27, 2010. His grace the Archbishop Daniel Deng left Khartoum on Saturday 24th for Juba and he arrived in Mundri at 5:00PM. On the following day, he conducted the dedication in the presence of over 1500 people in attendance.
+Bismark Comments on the LRA and recent events
"The LRA is certainly a regional issue for us here as it cover four Countries now: Uganda, Sudan, D R Congo and Central African Republic (CAR). However, Uganda has been peaceful in the last two years. Recently they attacked the camp of a Company Called Payii Roads and Bridges Company Limited. This company is constructing roads beyond Yambio (but not too far from Yambio). They killed the driver, wounded four of the staff on the car (it is a pick up Land Cruiser) but one of the staff survived. This staff is a Pastor of the Diocese of Lui who studied in Nairobi and has B. A. in Bible and Theology from my former school Pan Africa Christian College (PACC) and his family is still in Nairobi. However, he has since taken up a job with the Company for the sustainability of his family. He said he was sitting with the driver in the front seat and when the LRA attacked, they shot the driver dead besides him and then he opened the door of the car fell out and ran! In the event of running the LRA started to shoot at him and those on the vehicle, but God saved his life. Although he has dislocation on his arm due to the fall and is now under treatment! The four are injured and are in serious condition in the hospital.
In another ocassion they LRA had shot dead a Moru Police man and the body was brought burial to the Country side last week.
Nevertheless, we are indeed so grateful to God for helping us in our work in the diocese the last three years. The Archbishop and his wife were also delighted to see the progress the LORD has enabled us to made. If I could paraphrase what he said, he mentioned that about a year ago opening the office and now he is here again opening the Bishop's Court, he thanks God for this good work. He went on to say that people who are chosen by God, you the fruits of their work. And this is an evidence that this Bishop was chosen by God, let us all support him...
Aweil Diocese Begins
For a very long time Aweil has been a part of Wau diocese. Wau itself a diocese so huge that it straddles two whole Sudanese states. The vastness of this area cannot be understated in terms of reaching out to the people in the care of the Episcopal Church of Sudan. Bishop Moses was quick to point out that Wau as a diocese was simply too big to work effectively.
The Diocese is named after Aweil which is the Capital of Northern Bhar el Ghazal State. Read the full article on the Wau diocese website here
Lunch with Bishop Moses
Bishop Moses Deng met ladies of the Pool Deanery Mothers Union today for lunch. Bishop Moses is the new bishop of Wau diocese and is visiting Pool deanery on his way to a conference in Northern Ireland. The main reason for his visit is to strengthen ties in a deanery to diocese link that has grown up between Wau and Pool.
Under Tree Schools - Latest Newsletter Released
Fresh from Rev'd Joseph and Karen Ayok-Loewenberg the latest on the progress of their school project.
Opening Malek Girls School - Reports from Christabel and Russ on this exciting development.
Webmaster Request from Lainya
Bishop Peter Amidi is very keen to tell the world about his diocese and connect with people for aid and fellowship. He has a website -www.lainya.anglican.org but he also has a problem. There is no one in the Lainya diocese that can run a website. So Bishop Peter is asking if there is someone who could help him. You don't need to be a professional webmaster just a bit web savvy and keen to help. If you know someone who could help Lainya diocese connect with the world please send an e-mail to salisburysudanlink@googlemail.com Simple training and instructions can be provided.
Kajo-Keji Cathedral Fundraising Day
I would like to update you on our Cathedral Fund Raising Day on 28th March 2010. The Church service and Fund Raising Function took 7 hours. There were many entertaining plays and games for raising funds.
The ECS Archbishop, the Most Rev Dr Daniel Deng Bul was the Guest of Honor. Bishop Hilary Adeba of Yei Diocese was the Guest Speaker. He gave a challenging talk. The Caretaker Governor for Central Equatoria State, Major General Clement Wani Konga was represented by the Deputy Governor, Manase Lomole. Other government officials who attended were the Speaker of the Central Equatoria Assembly, Honorable Zamba Duku, and the Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, HE Muki Batali. Some of the Parliamentary contestants were there for part of the time; this included Ms Mary Kiden, Mr Buramatali Wani and others. There were representative from most of our parishes in Kajo-Keji. Hundreds of invited guests from within Kajo-Keji attended the Fund Raising; others sent apologies with their pledges. The Cathedral choir, several students groups provided excellent entertainment; a youth group from Juba consisting mainly of people originally from Kajo-Keji provided and led excellent music.
All the cash received and pledges made amounted to the equivalent of US$ 30,003. This amount of US$ 30,003 is one third of our target figure of US$ 90,000 to complete the Cathedral. We would like to encourage people to give more towards the remaining amount. If the pledges are honored and we get an additional amount of US$ 15,000), this will enable us to start work on the walls. I have asked the Fund Raising Committee which will meet on the 10th April to look at ways for raising the remaining funds. I would value your prayers and support towards the remaining amount.
Thank you very much for your prayers and the gifts that some of you made or will be making. I would like to thank Fund Raising Committee under the leadership of Canon John Lomundu for their hard work.
Thanks - Anthony Poggo
About Aweil
Part of Wau diocese is preparing to become a diocese in it’s own right. The Diocese is named after Aweil which is the Capital of Northern Bhar el Ghazal State. This is one of the 10 States of Southern Sudan. It was cut out of Wau Diocese in June last year as Wau was covering three States plus Abyei then. They were not given their Bishop immediately because they did not meet the requirements set by the Province.
These requirements are important to ensure that the diocese can function properly on it’s own. Now they have met the requirements the nomination of the candidates for the position of the Bishop could be held. This was done in March.
These are :-
1 Rev Abraham Yel Nhial
2 Rev Angelo Yuet Aguer
3 Rev Mathew Garang Chimiir.
Please pray that God leads those who will vote in their elections to whoever he wants to the Bishop of Aweil.
Who ever is elected Bishop will be the first Bishop of the Diocese of Aweil.
The Diocese is divided into 7 Arcdeaconaries.
The Bishop Commissary is - Ven Tito Athian Tong
Diocesan Secretary is - Rev Simon Deng Dut
News About Abyei Area
Bishop Moses Deng provides an update from his website on the current position in Abyei.
Cannon Ezra Moved to Mundri Diocese
Bishop Bismark Avokaya, the current bishop of Mundri, reports on this very important event for the church in Mundri.
The Voice of the Gospel
The Episcopal Church of Sudan has started to produce a regular quarterly newsletter which they would really like to share. Click on the links below to see the last three copies in a new window.
A Greeting From the New International Coordinator in Juba
I am the new International Coordinator in the Office of Archbishop Deng. My role involves managing the correspondence between the Sudan office and the partners around the world. No day is the same so it's fairly difficult to give you 'A Day in the Life of the ECS International Coordinator' but I can say that through this job, you get to meet various people from other churches and NGOs that are keen to make things happen in the Sudan. One of the things I love most about the job is the opportunity to accompany the Archbishop on visits he makes to different parts of the country. I write a report after each visit in order to keep partners informed on ECS news. I've been here 5 weeks and so far I've been to Yambio, Nzara, Wau and Rokon so I've seen many new places. As I'm sure you've already heard from Bishop David and Canon Ian Woodward who were over here recently, Sudan is an extremely big country with a lot of diversity so you don't have to go very far to find differences. As for home, I live on the cathedral compound in Juba and share a house with Tina and Trevor Stubbs and Robin Denney from the US. We also have sociable neighbours so it's really nice to have a base in Juba amongst all the hustle and bustle where you can be yourself and have a laugh. Juba is very vibrant place to live and is also changing all the time. For me, the most notable changes are the improvements in the roads. One day you're travelling along a very bumpy dirt road and a few days later, you find it's been tarmaced over! It certainly makes car journeys a lot more comfortable.
More about myself: I am 21 years old. I was born and grew up in Britain but my family are from Ghana. When in England, I live in West London. I finished a history degree at Oxford last summer so my new surroundings are not like anything I've really experienced before. I am having a good time in Sudan so far and learning a lot about the culture, the languages and the way of life. Despite having irregular power, and not having a fridge in the house, I'm glad to be here working amongst so many great people and getting the chance to see the differences between what my life was life and what it's like now.
Bishop David's visit to New Bishop Gwynne College, Juba - March 2010
It was was with mixed feelings that we at BGC heard of the impending retirement of Bishop David. He has been a very good friend to the Province of the Sudan since he became Bishop of Salisbury in the early nineties. The link with Salisbury has always been one of prayer and practical support as well as money. Money is not the sole solution. What is more important is that the Sudan church partners should walk alongside, listen, encourage and provide expertise where they can. The province lacks people with experience and leadership skills. Those that exist can find themselves very isolated. Bishop David has done this superbly and will be greatly missed. The archbishop has a large framed photograph of Bishop David in his office.
The Diocese of Salisbury has long taken a special interest in theological education in the Sudan and Bishop David has paid frequent visits to BGC. He has witnessed its slow decline since the early 1990s. When Archbishop Daniel decided to suspend the college for a year to allow it to deal with the debt and other problems, the move received the full support of the Bishop of Salisbury. Now over one year on the college has reopened virtually free of debt.
Therefore, Bishop David's visit was greeted with enthusiasm by the students who listened eagerly as he taught them about baptism in the Anglican Communion and the liturgy of Holy Week. Initially he was to lecture for one hour. This eventually turned into three as the bishop returned for a second day! The bible is well read in the Sudan and the students quickly discovered how the worship of Holy Week is based on both Old and New Testaments. Question followed upon question. At one time the blackboard displayed pictures of Jacob's ladder, an altar and a cross with the wounds of Christ and a collection of Greek words.
The Bishop was shown around the existing college building by the students pleased that their college building had been repaired and enhanced and water and electricity supplies reconnected. The bishop inspected the restored library with new books (many of which have come through Good Books in Bridport), and was introduced to the excellent cooks before partaking a Sudanese style meal.
On the last day of his visit the Bishop was taken to see the new site beside the Kor Bor river near to where it joins the Nile. The "river" is currently dry because we are at the end of the dry season. Work is soon to begin - fencing, restoring two existing buildings and (hopefully) erecting staff houses. This is the place for which Bishop David has launched his Lenten Appeal. Without the development of this site the college cannot grow - and growth of theological education is essential for the future of the ECS. We are, therefore, most grateful to the Bishop for his visit, and all who are giving in the Diocese of Salisbury.
News From Bishop Samuel Peni
Greetings to you from Nzara in the name of Christ our Lord and Saviour,
Amen. I hope by the grace of God all of you are well. I am well and is just
beginning to get back to rest after the much stressful time of my
consecration and enthronement. The archbishop was here for a week, we had
not less than 300 hundred people here every night, youth men and women
singing and praying through out the retreat time.
The Consecration service was attended by over 5000 people and the service
lasted for over 5 hours. representatives came from all over Sudan. Now
things are returning to normal and sentina and I are well as well as
Richard Tambua. The kids are in school in Kampala and none of them was able
to attend this great occasion. We are editing the video clips of the event
and will be sending to you copies.
We are planning to be here in the diocese until the first week of May when
we will travel to see the kids in Kampala and also wait to for the visit of
Rev. Penelope Rundle, she will arrive in Kampala and come to see us in
Nzara and also stay on for three weeks then return to UK. We are looking
forward for her visit.
Pray for me as I have started visiting the parishes confirming candidates,
licensing Lay Readers and MUs. Last Sunday I confirmed 65 confirmation
candidates and 5 Lay Readers and 3 Mothers Union members.
I now have access to check my email on a phone line right here in Nzara. I
hope we can communicate easily here.
Attached are two pictures taken as the procession was assembling to enter
the cathedral for the consecration service.
May God bless you all.
Yours servant in Christ
Rt. Revd. Samuel Enosa Peni
March 7th - Prayer Day for Shokai Bible Training Institute
Please pray today for the mission and ministry of Reverend Musa Elgadi the principle of Shokai Bible Training Institute and for the work of this thelogical college. On Sunday March 7th the college is having a special prayer day for it's needs which you can support. Where ever you are please remember this college, it's principle and students in your prayers.
The only Arab language course in the ECS has been under the leadership of Rev Musa Elgadi since 1995. the syllabus which covers bible studies, church history, doctrine and applied theology was translated into arabic from the Bishop Gwynne curriculum of Mundri days. There are three full time and six part time teachers together with a cook, an accountant and a librarian. There are two classes, the day time with ten students and the evening with thirty, including some local pastors. The Bishop of Khartoum heads the governing body but there are many problems. The college owns no land and lives in premises loaned from the church of St Saviour, there is need for it's own classrooms, offices and library; the course cannot find accreditation because it is in Arabic, at present it is assessed internally and may have to turn to Cairo for recognition; there is a constant financial crisis, funding from donors has steadily reduced, the dioceses do not offer support and the college has withheld certificates until the fees are paid, there is a huge need for income generating projects; there is constant need for further training for staff members. The Principle can be contacted At PO Box 65 Omdurman or by e-mail at sbti70@yahoo.com
Feedback From Bishop Allison Theological College - Prayer Event
I am writing to inform you that, we have resolved with all BATC Staff, during the principal's
hour to day, that since 17th February, 2010 is Ash Wednesday and has coincided with the day on which our partners and donors will be praying for us.
We will be doing the following:
No work only fasting and prayers for the whole day with reflection on prayer and fasting.
Regards Rev. Samuel Borete - ACTING PRINCIPAL
A Message from Bishop Ezekiel Diing of Twic East
My Diocese needs lots of prayers and support for the following:
Name of the Diocese was Kongor Diocese but it was change to Twic East Diocese in 2008. This have caused dispute among the Communities. So I need prayers for peace and unity of the congregation,Pastors, and Community.
Pray for peace and stability in the Diocese among the Nuer, Murle,Dinka and Anuak Tribes Fighting themselves.
My Diocese is a new Diocese carved out from Bor Diocese of Bishop Nathaniel Garang, Prayer for our development support by people of good wishers, We need schools, our children are not getting education, Health clinic and dispensaries, There are lot of different diseases, Water for Drinking, Agriculture support, we need seeds, tools, at least (10) tractors with their accessories for cultivation.
This year we need relief in all it different types such as Food, fishing equipment, Mosquito net cooking items, Used clothes for displaced families, medicine. Most of my Pastors are not Trained thus, I need training for Pastors and Church personnel for effective and efficient skill so that they may lead and run the diocese well.
Last year in August many people were displace as a result of fighting between Dinka and Nuer in Wernyol and Duk, our senior Pastor Rev Joseph Mabior Garang, he was my Commissary,was killed leaving his family orphaned and widowed, only the Diocese can give support.
In my Diocese there are many War victims both widow( s ) and orphans, they need the church to support them with food education health, accommodation and so many. All those mentioned need Prayers and support.
I my self I am recovering from Typhoid and Malaria, pray for me.
Thank you so much for asking me for things to pray for in my Diocese they are so many but I trust the Lord will guide and support your prayers.
God bless you.
Bishop Ezekiel Diing
Bishop Diocese of Twic East.
Click the title to learn more.
A statement was issued by Juba-based Church leaders, including Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, on the state of Sudan at present and especially on the current implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA):
Archbishop Daniel urges those of you involved in advocacy work for Sudanese peace on behalf of the ECS to use this statement to its utmost effect in your efforts.
Change of Provincial Secretary and Honor for ECS
Archbishop Daniel Deng has received a letter from the Chairman of the Southern Sudan High Elections Committee.
It stated that the Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC) in Khartoum, H.E. Abel Alier, was requesting the ECS Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Enock Tombe Stephen, to be released from his ECS job to take up the appointment of Chairman of the Eastern Equatoria High Elections Committee, based in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
Archbishop Daniel sees it as a national honour to the ECS that a leading clergymen has been chosen by Abel Alier for this most prestigious appointment, and he has officially released Canon Enock Tombe from the post of Provincial Secretary in order to take up this new appointment at the earliest convenience of the NEC. Canon Enock will therefore chair the committee in charge of implementing the upcoming Sudan National Elections in Eastern Equatoria State.
- Consequently Canon Enock Tombe has been released from his ECS job for one year, as of 16th June 2009.
- The current ECS Personnel Secretary, Mr. John Augustino Lumori, has been appointed Acting Provincial Secretary for the time being. He can be contacted on jlumori@yahoo.com as well as on the provincial email address of ecsprovince@hotmail.com
- As the post of Provincial Secretary is an elected position, Archbishop Daniel will be appointing a Deputy Provincial Secretary in the near future to head up the provincial administration in the interim period before such a provincial-level election can be arranged.
- Canon Enock Tombe was due for re-election in 2010.
Archbishop Daniel sends all ECS’ partners his best wishes and assures you all that the provincial administration will continue to run smoothly in this transitory period. He is especially keen that all ECS departments and partners give John Augustino all the support they can in his new role of Acting Provincial Secretary.
News from Yei Diocese.
News From the Provincial Office
Dear friends of the ECS,
Please find on the ECS Provincial Website an article concerning Archbishop Daniel Deng’s recent visit to the UK, during which he met the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor for International Development to discuss the twin issues of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) attacks in Western Equatoria and the current fragility of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Yours in Christ, Nicholas Ramsden
International Co-ordinator in the Office of the Archbishop
Good news from Rejaf diocese
Cannon Thomas Kedini of Rejaf diocese writes to update us on the progress of his diocese in partnership with Cynthia Buttimer and Winterslow who recently raised funds to buy some much needed motorcycles.
"The money arrived and the motorcycles have been bought and now on the road serving the Gospel. The money 1,080 Sterling, exchanged to 3,240 Sudanese pounds. We bought two 125cc Senke Motorcycles (that are most popular here in Juba) - each for 1,760 Sudanese pounds. We had to add a little over 90 pounds Sterling to get what we wanted. We have given one m/cycle to our Diocesan Secretary, the Rev Luka Lokosang and the other to Rev. Darius Lako our Mission and Evangelism Coordinator and Acting Youth Coordinator. It was very difficult to decide especially for the second one. This is due to the fact that our Archdeacon of Lobonok Archdeaconry who is doing a fantastic job, is in dire need. He has erected the first church building in his archdeaconry and has to travel to that place over 50 miles away almost every other day. He would however need a stronger motorcycle worth the whole 1,000 pounds sterling. That's why we went for two instead of one!
Please convey our sincere thanks to the Christian brothers and sisters who helped us by these funds. May God grant you and bless you more."
If you would like to help Cannon Thomas and Rejaf diocese contact details can be had on the Rejaf Diocese info sheet
“We are concerned at non-implementation of substantial elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which ended 21 years of conflict in Southern Sudan and is pre-requisite for achieving peace in the country as a whole and in Darfur in particular. We are alarmed at the brutal attacks and killings taking place in Southern Sudan and the serious violence which continues to be experienced in Darfur.” - Click the title link above to read the whole article
First Femail Dean of African Cathedral in Renk
The Very Rev. Martha Deng Nhial was recently installed as dean of the Cathedral of St. Matthew in The Renk diocese. It is thought that she is the first female priest to serve as dean of an African cathedral.
Because Renk did not have a diocesan bishop at the time, as the previous bishop Daniel Deng has just become Archbishop, Bishop Ezekiel Kondo of the Diocese of Khartoum presided at the installation service on Aug 17th. Bishop Joseph Garang Atem has since been installed – see contacts page.
The Church of Sudan has been ordaining women to holy orders for eight years.
Dean Nhial was ordained priest three years ago. Prior to that she was a nurse and a leader in the Mother’s Union. See her taking her oath in the image attached at the foot of the page.
Juba ECS Secondary School Project
Richard Dean, a committee member reports on an ongoing project to build a school in Juba Sudan.
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