The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has 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 the letter, the Revd Tut Kony Nyang Kon, General Secretary of the SSCC, wrote: "We long for an end to violence, killings and insecurity that have plagued our society for too long. We are working tirelessly to mobilise communities for peace and to build bridges between different groups. We pray for and encourage political actors to prioritise dialogue over confrontation at his juncture of our fragile political transition and ask for your support in this.

"We ask that you do not forget South Sudan and continue to partner with us as we redouble our efforts for peace." 

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Revd Gordon Kennedy, addresses the meeting on South Sudan at Lambeth Palace.
Photo credit: Lambeth Palace

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."

South Sudan, is facing national and regional conflict, the impacts of climate change and high levels of acute food insecurity, with President Salva Kiir calling its first elections this December, since gaining independence in 2011. Churches in the country, brought together under the SSCC, have provided practical support, hope and a clear voice for peace and democracy, both nationally and globally. To this end, Christian Aid has supported the South Sudanese delegation visit to the UK to engage in meetings with politicians and church leaders.

Read the full letter expressing solidarity with the churches of South Sudan and support for their work for peace.