New date confirmed for historic ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage to South Sudan
A brand new date has been set for a Peace Pilgrimage to South Sudan by the Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Normal Meeting.
The ecumenical pilgrimage was purported to happen in the summertime however needed to be rescheduled due to the Pope’s well being. It’ll now happen from 3 to five February.
Pope Francis mentioned: “I consider South Sudan and the plea for peace arising from its individuals who, weary of violence and poverty, await concrete outcomes from the method of nationwide reconciliation.
“I want to contribute to that course of, not alone, however by making an ecumenical pilgrimage along with two expensive brothers, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Normal Meeting of the Church of Scotland.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury mentioned he was “very happy” that the “historic go to” was going forward.
“Collectively we share a deep need to face in solidarity with the individuals of South Sudan, to overview and renew the commitments its leaders made on the Vatican in 2019,” he mentioned.
“We pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work all through and after this go to, bringing the peace promised by Christ. Please pray for the individuals of South Sudan.”
Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the Normal Meeting of the Church of Scotland, mentioned: “I’m delighted that our prayers have been answered and Pope Francis’s well being has improved to allow this vitally vital go to to go forward.
“I’m genuinely humbled on the alternative to help our brothers and sisters in South Sudan within the seek for peace, reconciliation and justice.
“It’s a privilege to be becoming a member of the Holy Father and the Archbishop of Canterbury on this historic Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan and we come as servants of the World Church.
“We name on all individuals in South Sudan to provide expression to Jesus’ phrases that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they are going to be referred to as the kids of God’.”
The Church leaders are visiting the troubled nation on the invitation of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
They hope to encourage efforts in direction of a long-lasting peace within the nation, which has been affected by years of civil warfare since gaining its independence from Sudan in 2011.
They are going to meet native church representatives and lead a big open-air prayer vigil for peace. A go to to a camp for individuals displaced by the civil warfare has additionally been deliberate.
“We’ve been working intently collectively since 2015 on a significant peace, reconciliation and battle decision programme,” added the Moderator.
“It has helped native church leaders work at each a grassroots stage and political stage to try to carry pointless battle to an finish and construct lasting peace, stability and unity.
“There may be nonetheless a lot work to do and the symbolism of this historic ecumenical go to sends out a really robust message about our steadfast dedication to standing in solidarity with the church buildings and folks of this nation that it would flourish, and be good for all.”
