Pastoral Message to the South Sudan Council of Churches and the People of South Sudan from the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan-European Hub
“Though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails,
and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-10)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is with great concern that we write to you on behalf of the European Hub of the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan, as the people of South Sudan are facing an unprecedented crisis of violent conflicts, starvation, death and displacement that is tearing the nation apart. We acknowledge that in the midst of the suffering and pain the communities are experiencing, the churches continue to accompany the people in their journey through these difficult times. We recognize the tremendous responsibility that the church leaders shoulder, to give hope and succour to the children of God.
‘We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.’ (Romans 12:5) We are with you, and your pain and joy are shared by us. We are with you in our prayer, our yearnings and hope for God’s blessing, redemption, and healing. We are committed to walking with you in your accompaniment of the people of South Sudan. We are in solidarity with your responses to the current humanitarian crisis; in your consistent and faithful engagement in peace-building and reconciliation; and in your promoting the voices of the marginalized people and struggles to preserve the dignity of each person, whoever and wherever they are, leaving nobody behind!
We hope and pray for a strong momentum of engagement and advocacy, which will also contribute to the visit of His Holiness, the Pope, as well as the prominent representatives of the international Oikumene. We look forward to hearing from you in what specific way we can be of assistance to journey with you during these challenging times, in our common pilgrimage of Justice and Peace! Your specific prayers and advocacy requests, can enable us to highlight our activities as the European Hub the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan, and for this, we would be very grateful.
Yours in Christ, our Lord of Peace,