Church urged to join 70 days of prayer for South Sudan

The South Sudan Council of Churches has called for 70 days of prayers for peace for the whole country. The 70 days are to parallel the 70 years since an uprising began the process of decolonialisation, a period in which the people of the world's youngest country have rarely known security and real peace.

The Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, and a minister in the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church, asked for the people to focus their prayers on seven areas: the family, church, governance, economy, education, media (including art and entertainment), and health.

"Pray at home, local church, and on all occasions including at all platforms, whenever it is possible," he urged.

Millions of children in South Sudan are malnourished and there is deep food insecurity because of the ceaseless armed conflict.

In February 2023, the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland made an historic Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage to South Sudan. The Christian communities of South Sudan have a legacy of powerful witness to their faith and, working together, they have been a sign and instrument of the reconciliation God desires for their whole country and all of creation.

The Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly who travelled with the 2023 pilgrimage, said:

"I hope the 70 days of prayer will help change the situation in South Sudan. The people need stability and peace to flourish in their homes, on their lands, in their schools."

She urged the Church of Scotland to continue to remember the Churches and people of South Sudan in prayers in these 70 days and beyond. At a time when people are weary of violence and poverty, it is essential that all groups and leaders come together and work tirelessly, relentlessly, for peace and the promise of hope.

She reminds us of the words of the late Pope Francis who, addressing all the leaders, quoted Jesus:

"No more of this!" (Lk 22:51). "Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn."

Christian Aid estimates that over seven million people (half the population) are facing hunger and food insecurity, and there are over two million people displaced from their homes. The charity is working on projects in South Sudan. In countries where there is violence and disruption women and children suffer disproportionately. Peace and reconciliation offer conditions in which the whole society can flourish, and where there is less violence against women and girls.

Rev Tut Kon highlights the increase of armed conflicts between different leadership factions in the run up to an expected election in the coming year.

Referring to the book of Jeremiah he said God's promise was that, "when 70 years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfil my good promise to bring you back to this place,"

The 70 days of prayer began on 7 June in South Sudan but you can start them in your own time. Those who can afford to donate can give to the South Sudan crisis appeal.