Dear Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo,

“And the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Grace and peace be with you! In this solemn moment of your installation as the first Archbishop and Primate of the Province of Sudan, Anglican Communion, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its 348 member churches.

I had the privilege to meet with you and attend a service at your church, the All Saints Cathedral, in Khartoum during my visit to WCC member churches in Sudan in April 2013, and I look forward to the future ministry together in the fellowship of churches in the WCC.

The office to which you have been called is one with many responsibilities; as a leader, a visionary, an advocate for education and mission in the church, as well as a pastor to your clergy and faithful. As the chairperson of the former Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) and the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Sudan, you have demonstrated your talents and leadership qualities.

Your life and ministries have been an inspiring witness to the unity of the church. I have no doubt that as the Archbishop and Primate of Sudan, you will serve your church faithfully for the glory of God; and that you will share generously your gifts of wisdom, discernment and leadership within the Anglican Communion, the fellowship of the WCC member churches and the wider ecumenical movement. We trust that the people of Sudan, the members of the Anglican Communion and your many friends around the world will have “joy, from you in the Lord”, that you will “refresh our hearts in the Lord” and that you will do even more than we all expect from you (Philemon 1:20-21).

Our prayers and good wishes go with you and the important work that lies ahead in your ministry. I offer my greetings through mine and your colleague, Dr Nigussu Legesse, who has the privilege to be with you and your church in this celebration of our common mission of God.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General secretary
World Council of Churches