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Pray for South Sudan

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Published on 
January 3, 2014

The following is an appeal from Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada:

At the request of the Primate of South Sudan and Sudan, Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul Yak, I am issuing this urgent call for prayer for South Sudan.

Tragically this new nation, formed in 2011, is suffering through horrific in-fighting that is leaving hundreds dead and forcing thousands, 180,000 to date, to flee the violence.

There is a glimmer of hope in the peace talks scheduled in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

Pray for those on both sides of the uprising between the supporters of the President, Salva Kiir and the former Deputy, Riek Machar, that they lay down their weapons and come to the table. Pray for the ministry of the mediator, Seyoum Mesfin. Pray for all affected by this fighting and especially those living in refugee camps where conditions are rapidly deteriorating due to overcrowding. Pray for all working to bring them emergency aid and relief.

May our prayers and those of so many others around the world rise to the throne of God’s compassion, justice, and peace and then fall like a still dew of quietness on a land so troubled and a people hurting so deeply.

The Most Reverend Fred Hiltz
Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.