On 23 February 2018, the World Council of Churches responds to the call of Pope Francis and the Roman Catholic Church for a day of prayer, for peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

'And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.' Colossians 3:15

In the DRC, 4.3 million people are displaced throughout the country and 13.1 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance throughout the country this year.

In South Sudan, 2 million people have fled the young nation as refugees and about 1.9 million people are internally displaced, over the past four years of conflict - with 7 million people inside the country - this is almost two-thirds of the remaining population - still in need of humanitarian assistance.

Children, young men, and women have been among the most affected. Millions of women and girls are exposed to gender-based violence in these crisis-affected areas.

The churches and communities are dedicated and present in these communities, accompanying the affected people through these challenging times.

May the prayers of all Christians on 23 February for the gift of peace be a sign of solidarity and closeness to those suffering in South Sudan and DRC.

Download prayer materials and background information for South Sudan and DRC (pdf, 167 KB)

Read WCC general secretary's invitation to the Day of Prayer (pdf, 256 KB, also available in French, German and Spanish)