FRATERNAL GREETINGS FROM WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SOUTH SUDAN AT THE INSTALLATION OF THE FIFTH ARCHBISHOP, the Most Rt. Rev. Justin Badi Arama 22 April 2018
Brothers and Sisters in Christ may the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus, be with you in abundance. I bring you fraternal greetings from the World Council of Churches leadership, the General Secretary Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit and the staff team at this historic time in the life of the Church in South Sudan; and as you prepare to usher in the new leadership of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. It is our hope that South Sudan will“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has arisen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
We congratulate the Episcopal Church of South Sudan for the successful election of its new Primate. As you all are aware elections whether at political party or civil society/faith levels have become a nightmare to the citizens as they are often so highly contested. It is also our delight to observe and express our appreciation to the outgoing Primate the Most Rt. Rev. Daniel Deng Bull for his leadership of the church. We thank God for granting him and his team the health and strength to shepherd the Church at crucial historical moments of both Sudan and South Sudan nations.
As World Council of Churches leadership and the wider ecumenical fraternity/movement, of which the All Africa Conference of churches belongs and which will hold its general assembly in Rwanda, the church, and the people of South Sudan have remained a key priority in our prayers, advocacy and accompaniment processes. Together with the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), we continue to journey with the worldwide church in seeking sustainable peace and justice.
Our roles have been complimentary acknowledging the pivotal task of the local church in accompanying her people in very difficult circumstances. As our tenth Assembly message from Busan states, “We Are Committed to Move together”, we in WCC remain committed to journey with ECS and its leadership as well as the entire church in South Sudan. Be assured of our support in whatever relevant and possible ways as you seek to shepherd, nurture and sustain the church during these trying times in your nation.
It is moreover, our prayer that the message of our Lord Jesus of Love shall prevail and so shall the unity of the church in accordance with the prayer of our Lord Jesus (John 17:21). May the Almighty God rekindle the spirit of love, unity, compassion and peace so that the people of South Sudan may experience justice, peace prosperity and life in abundance.
God bless your ministry, the church and the people of South Sudan.
Dr Agnes Abuom
Moderator WCC –Central Committee