Presiding Bishop calls for prayers for South Sudan

The Presiding Bishop has called the Episcopal Church to prayer and action for South Sudan in response to the continuing crisis there. South Sudan became a nation in July 2011 following almost half a century of civil war. Fighting continues in parts of South Sudan and the humanitarian crisis is vast. The conflict has left thousands dead and more than 1.2 million people have fled their homes.

Since May 16 marks the commemoration of the Martyrs of the Sudan in the Episcopal Church, Sunday, May 18 has been chosen as a specific Day of Prayer for South Sudan and Sudan. All are invited to join in prayer for our brothers and sisters in South Sudan. 

 

Here is the collect for that day:

 

O God, steadfast in the midst of persecution, by your providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: As the martyrs of the Sudan refused to abandon Christ even in the face of torture and death, and so by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest, may we, too, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Resources:  

• The Presiding Bishop's call to prayer and action
• Interview with Archbishop Justin Welby on the crisis: "We must be battering down the gates of heaven in prayer." 
• Joint statement of solidarity from the heads of:
  --The Anglican Church of Canada
  
  
  • --The Episcopal Church
    --The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
    --The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
  • Pray / Study / Act
  • As South Sudan rivals agree truce, church plays pivotal role
  • Episcopal Relief & Development resources (includes ERD bulletin inserts on South Sudan)
  • Bulletin Inserts
  • Follow / Tweet at #martyrsofsudan