By Otto Abut
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby acknowledges the significant contributions of the ecumenical peace pilgrimage held last year in South Sudan.
The prominent religious leader who is serving the Church of England and Anglican Communion clapped back to the peace progression in South Sudan that granted President Salva Kiir to mediate Sudanese peace talks.
In February last, the Archbishop of Canterbury together with the then moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Rt. Rev Dr Iain Greenshields accompanied the Holy Father, Pope Francis to Juba for an ecumenical peace pilgrimage.
The prelate said during the prayer vigil, they prayed with those of other Christian denominations for an end to conflict, for healthy and constructive dialogue, and unity across the nation.
“I’m encouraged to now see that the leadership in South Sudan is offering a mediation process that seeks to unite opposing sides and bring peace.” Abp. Welby said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury urges Christians to continue praying for peace to prevail in other parts of the world including Sudan that are still experiencing conflict and violence.
“Let us continue to pray for other areas around the world experiencing conflict and violence – that God may bring peace amidst situations that seem beyond hope.” He added.
Last week Saturday 20th, President Salva Kiir who is the chief negotiator of the Sudan peace met with the Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, during the IGAD Summit held in Kampala, Uganda.
Kiir appealed to the warring parties in Sudan to accept dialogue as a solution to the ongoing conflict despite the absence of the de facto ruler of Sudan Abdel Fattah al–Burhan who allegedly turned down the invitation with the unverified excuse that the IGAD peace deal humiliates the armed forces and Sudanese people.
According to Presidential Affairs Minister Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, the IGAD summit emphasized the need to respect territorial borders about the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia and called on Sudan to cease hostilities and engage in politics.