Moderator signs letter of support to churches in South Sudan

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has signed an ecumenical letter of support to churches in South Sudan.

Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy met ecumenical leaders, faith-based NGOs and government officials at Lambeth Palace in London today, 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.

The SSCC presented attendees with a letter and statement, calling for international support.

Mr Kennedy signed a joint letter of support to churches in South Sudan, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, and the Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Their letter, which was presented to the South Sudanese delegation, said: " 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 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 Salvaa Kiir calling its elections this December, the first 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.

Christian Aid has supported the South Sudanese's delegation visit to the UK to engage in meetings with politicians and church leaders.
Earlier this week, Mr Kennedy met Rev Tut Nguoth, of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, at a Christian Aid service in Edinburgh's New Town Church.

Christian Aid's Global Policy Advocacy Lead, Asha Kurien, said: "The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned of a heightened risk of every type of atrocity crime if safeguards are not put in place as the country moves towards proposed elections on December 22.

"The role of the church in South Sudan is invaluable; churches and faith leaders remain among the most trusted institutions in the country and continue to play a critical role in mediation, reconciliation, peacebuilding and community resilience."