Let us respond to the plight of the suffering peoples of our world by our prayers, and by our support of means to help them find peace and security

Image courtesy of an email to Sudan Watch 

from Africa Faith and Justice Network

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From The News Letter

Story by Rev Dr William Morton
Published Saturday, 23 December 2023, 07:21 GMT - here is a full copy:

Thought for the Week: Let us pray for peace and security

A few days ago St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin hosted the carol service for the grammar school which bears its name.

As I prepared an opening, or bidding prayer, I began to think of how easy it is to hear the familiar words of the Christmas story and not stop, and reflect, and dwell upon them in their fullest meaning.

A child is born in a certain place, at a certain time; he is born in poverty to a young girl and the man to whom she was to be married. The baby was worshipped by angels, greeted by shepherds, searched for by wise men, and pursued by a tyrant, King Herod. The baby’s name is Jesus, Saviour. He is called Christ, the King. As the familiar Christmas hymn expresses it: “Lo, within a manger lies he who built the starry skies".

A most wonderful dimension to this story is the message of the angels to the shepherds who were looking after their sheep the night of Jesus’s birth: “Do not be afraid”. 

As I write these words, fear has gripped our world as never before: fear for the thousands upon thousands who have been bereaved and injured, not to mention those still being held hostage, or unaccounted for, in the terrible conflict in the countries of our Lord’s earthly home, and with them we think of the people of Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Libya – the list goes on.

Our thoughts must surely turn to the awful plight of children in these situations, bereft of parents, or loved ones, who remain helpless and vulnerable, and who have no way of experiencing what we take for granted at Christmas – the love of family, food, accommodation, and the feeling of being wanted and cared for.

So let us respond to the plight of the suffering peoples of our world by our prayers, and by our support of means to help them find peace and security.

View source: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/thought-for-the-week-let-us-pray-for-peace-and-security/ar-AA1lVYri

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In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity, Christmas celebrations have been cancelled

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Watched this video at X and found the footage and chat by British journalist and author Peter Oborne interesting. 

It is here to provide food for thought and show different situations and perspectives. And why in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity, Christmas celebrations have been cancelled and replaced by prayer.

Put down your mince pies and Christmas celebrations just for a moment

And consider what is happening in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity: pic.twitter.com/4C3CqFlFM6

— Peter Oborne (@OborneTweets) December 24, 2023

ENDS

From Westminster Abbey: Once in royal David’s city

A chorister from the Choir of Westminster Abbey in London sings the opening verse of Once in Royal David City so perfectly it makes eyes tearful.

Watch the full performance during #TogetherAtChristmas on @ITV and @ITVX at 7:45pm on Christmas Eve. pic.twitter.com/Bqy5baULIp

— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) December 22, 2023

ENDS

South Sudan: Anglican Communion Sec-Gen Bishop Anthony Poggo calls for peace, free and fair elections

THE Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Bishop Anthony Poggo is visiting South Sudan with a delegation of church leaders from England on Monday. Read more in the following report.

 

From Radio Tamazuj - radiotamazuj.org/en
Dated Wednesday, 22 November 2023 - here is a copy in full:

Anglican Communion Secretary General calls for peace, free and fair elections

Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Bishop Anthony Poggo. (Photo: Radio Tamazuj)

(Juba City - 22 Nov 2023) - The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion who is visiting South Sudan with a delegation of church leaders from England on Monday reiterated the Canterbury’s commitment towards consolidating sustainable peace and reconciliation to fast-track the realization of free, fair, and credible elections next year.

Speaking to the press, Bishop Anthony Poggo, said he paid a courtesy call to Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil to brief him about his visit and to discuss the impact of the joint visit of Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields.

“It is a courtesy call to brief him on our visit to the country. We discussed the impact the joint visit of the Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland had on the country,” he stated. “We also wanted to hear from him how things are, the state of affairs in his state, and also the preparations for elections,” he stated “This is an important step because we want to continue to support this country in prayer.”

“The Anglican Communion continues to follow what is happening in South Sudan as our desire is for peace to prevail but also for peaceful, fair elections to happen in this country,” Bishop Poggo added.

For his part, Derick Derickson, the spokesperson in the office of the Governor of Central Equatoria State, said Governor Adil appreciated the role the vital and tireless role the Anglican Communion plays in making sure there is sustainable peace in South Sudan.

‘’The governor commended the tremendous role that the Anglican Communion and church organizations are playing in the country as per propagating messages for peace and unity and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work together with the religious leaders for the development of the country,” he said.  About the fourth coming elections, the governor also reiterated the need for the religious leaders to continue supporting the government in its preparatory efforts.”

Bishop Poggo who traveled from Canterbury in the United Kingdom was accompanied by key members of the Anglican Communion ahead of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) House of Bishops meeting expected to start later this week.

 

View original: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/anglican-communion-secretary-general-calls-for-peace-free-and-fair-elections

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