Sudan: The Archbishop & Bishop of Khartoum Ezekiel Kondo appeals for peace in Christmas message

From Anglican Communion News Service - anglicannews.org
Dated December 18, 2023 2:05 PM - here is a copy in full:

Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan appeals for peace in Christmas message

Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo (Photo Credit: ACNS)

The Archbishop of the Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, the Most Revd Ezekiel Kondo, appealed for peace in his Christmas letter recently. He said: “I appeal to the two warring parties, Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces and their supporters on this special occasion to consider putting the guns beyond use and silence them for peace as a matter of urgency. Continuing using guns, there will be no people left to rule over nor will there be a country called Sudan to live in. Enough is enough to the suffering of innocent people. Enough is enough to death.”  

Archbishop Ezekiel’s Christmas message describes how communities in the country have been adversely affected since the start of the war, particularly Khartoum, Darfur, El Obeid and Kadugli. He also writes about communities in other states affected by flooding. “Many people lost their lives and no one is burying them, while many got injured and still many missing. People live in fear because of bullets, hunger and health reasons. People lost their properties while they live as displaced in their homeland and still others as refugees in foreign countries. People’s lives are like living in darkness and they see no future. I salute the Bishops who are with their people in the Dioceses of El Obeid, Kadugli, Port Sudan, Wad Medani and particularly the Clergy in the Diocese of Khartoum. I thank God for each of them, for their faith and courage at this difficult time,” he said.   

He quotes the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and likens what the prophet says to the current situation in Sudan. “But he gives a message of hope and courage. In the darkness, the light is shown. ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire’. (Isa. 9:1-2; 4-9) He speaks about a son who is a King and who comes with great power whose government will last forever and he will rule with justice, righteousness, and people will live in peace,” explains Archbishop Ezekiel.   

He concludes his message with thanking God for his faithfulness and appealing to the country’s leaders for peace, "Despite the instability, we thank God for His faithfulness, believing that he will intervene at his own time. We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to our friends and partners abroad and within Sudan for standing in solidarity, support, encouragement and prayer for the Sudanese people in general and Christians in particular.”  

Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: "I join my brother, Archbishop Ezekiel in calling on the warring sides to end this war. Enough is enough! As we journey through this season of Advent Season and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, remember the people of Sudan in your prayers that peace will come, and that they can rebuild their lives and homes."  

Read Archbishop Ezekiel’s Christmas letter here*

View original: https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2023/12/archbishop-of-the-episcopal-church-of-sudan-appeals-for-peace-in-christmas-message.aspx

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*Archbishop Ezekiel's Christmas letter is copied here in full:

Province of Episcopal Church of Sudan Khartoum - Sudan

Office of the Archbishop

Christmas Message 2023
To: All brothers and sisters, sons and daughters

Re: Christmas is the Hope of every believer Isaiah

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2)

This year Christmas in our country, Sudan is very different because of the war situation since 15 April. People live in a very different life particularly people from Khartoum, Darfur, El Obeid and Kadugli. In addition, people in the more stable states are also affected as they live a very different life due to the flooding of people to their states, cities and their houses. May people lost their lives and no one burring them, while many got injured and still many got missing. People live in fear because of bullets, hunger and health reasons. People lost their properties while they live as displaced in their homeland and still others as refugees in foreign countries. People’s lives are like living in darkness and they see no future. I salute the Bishops who are with their people in the Dioceses of El Obeid, Kadugli, Port Sudan, Wad Medani and particularly the Clergy in the Diocese of Khartoum. I thank God for each of them, for their faith and courage at this difficult time.

Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament, people experienced the same situation as we today, but he gives a message of hope and courage. In the darkness, the light has shown. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” 

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire”.

(Isa. 9:1-2; 4-9)

He speaks about a son who is a King and who comes with great power whose government will last forever and he will rule with justice, righteousness, and people will live in peace.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. (Isa. 9:6)

Mathew quotes Isaiah when he said:

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16

As the Bishop of the Diocese of Khartoum and Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, this year I celebrate Christmas outside Khartoum and All Saints Cathedral because the Cathedral was occupied since April. People of the Church of Savior Omdurman are not celebrating Christmas in their Church because it was bombed to ashes on 1 November! Many people could not celebrate Christmas in their Churches and their houses and cities because of the war.

Thanks and Gratitude:

Despite of the instability, we thank God for His faithfulness, believing that he will intervene at his own time. We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to our friends and partners abroad and within Sudan for standing in solidarity, support, encouragement and prayer for the Sudanese people in general and Christians in particular.

Appeal to the Country Leaders:

On this great occasion on which we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace and at which angels from heave sang: “Glory to highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (LK 2:14)

I appeal to the two warring parties, Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces and their supporters on this especial occasion to consider putting the guns beyond use and silence them for peace as a matter of urgency. Continuing using guns, there will be no people left to rule over nor will there be a country called Sudan to live in. Enough is enough to the suffering of innocent people. Enough is enough to death.

As we celebrate Christmas at this exceptional time some with no food leave alone clothing for the children, let us not lose faith in God. Let us call and lean on the Prince of Peace, who will rule with Justice and Righteousness.

Let us have faith in the Prince of Peace and call for the restoration of peace to our beloved country, Sudan. May the Leaders of our country see the suffering of the people and stop this war, which entered its ninth month.

I wish you a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year 2024

[signed]

The Most Revd. Ezekiel Kondo 

Archbishop & Bishop of Khartoum

December 2023

View original here: Archbishop Ezekiel’s Christmas letter.

ENDS

Africa’s Primates send statement of solidarity to Primate of Sudan - “We are standing with you”

Report from the Anglican News Service - www.anglicancommunion.org 
Dated Wednesday, 5 December 2023, 1:11 PM - here is a copy in full:

Africa’s Primates send statement of solidarity to Primate of Sudan - “We are standing with you”

Archbishop Albert Chama, Chair of the 

Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA)

Africa’s Anglican Primates have sent a statement of solidarity to the “Primate and the faithful of the Episcopal Church of Sudan.”

The statement was signed by Archbishop Albert Chama, Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) Chairman, Primate of the Church of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of the Diocese of Lusaka, on behalf of the Primates.

Eight months on from the start of the civil war in Sudan, the statement summarises the devastating impact it is having on the lives of thousands. It states: “The conflict has taken a severe toll resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, widespread property destruction, and the displacement of nearly a million people from their homes.”

It continued: “We, the Africa Anglican Primates, meeting for fellowship and consultation, extend this message of solidarity to our Brother, Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, all the members of the Episcopal Church and the entire Sudanese community, both at home and abroad. We want to assure you of our ongoing prayers and steadfast support during these challenging times.... As the Council of Africa Anglican Primates, we strongly condemn these actions and stand united against such acts of violence and destruction.”

The Primates expressed their “unwavering support of the church in Sudan and urgently call on General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Daaglo of the Rapid Support Forces to reconsider their motivations for resorting to armed conflict and instead engage in peaceful negotiations.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said in a statement on social media: “I stand in solidarity with my brother Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo and the people of Sudan, as the nation continues to suffer devastating violence and loss. The civil war is bringing unimaginable agony to far too many. Thousands have died, many more have been displaced and there are reports of destruction and looting of church properties and healthcare facilities. I urgently appeal for a just peace and an end to the killing. Human life is sacred and must be protected and preserved at all costs.”

The African Primates’ statement concluded in reminding the members of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the entire Sudanese community that the Lord is with them and that “it is He who brings wars to an end and renders weapons powerless (Psalm 46:9).

Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I fully endorse the statement made by CAPA. I was encouraged to read the statement and extend my solidarity to the Church and people of Sudan. Let us continue to pray for a peaceful end to this conflict.”

Read the full statement here. Here is a full copy:

COUNCIL OF ANGLICAN PROVINCES OF AFRICA – CAPA CONSEIL DES PROVINCES ANGLICANES D’AFRIQUE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

CAPA HOUSE

Kilimani, Off Wood Avenue, Komo Lane P O Box 10329
00100, Nairobi GPO, Kenya

Tel:+254 703 87 87 87 E-mail: info@capa-hq.org Website: www.capa-hq.org

December 1, 2023

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY TO THE PRIMATE AND THE FAITHFUL OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SUDAN

FROM THE AFRICA ANGLICAN PRIMATES

“We are standing with you.”

Eight months into the power struggle between the two generals of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan remains embroiled in a devastating civil war. The conflict has taken a severe toll, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, widespread property destruction, and the displacement of nearly a million people from their homes. Despite the attempts of various stakeholders to broker peace and return the country to civil rule, progress has been limited, and a resolution to the ongoing conflict appears elusive.

We, the Africa Anglican Primates, meeting for fellowship and consultation, extend this message of solidarity to our Brother, Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, all the members of the Episcopal Church and the entire Sudanese community, both at home and abroad. We want to assure you of our ongoing prayers and steadfast support during these challenging times.

We are deeply saddened by reports of the destruction and looting of church properties, the loss of historic artifacts and buildings including healthcare facilities, as well as the disruption of vital services during these troubling times. The distressing sight of unburied corpses along the streets brings tears to our eyes. As the Council of Africa Anglican Primates, we strongly condemn these actions and stand united against such acts of violence and destruction.

We express our unwavering support for the church in Sudan and urgently call upon General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Daaglo of the Rapid Support Forces to reconsider their motivations for resorting to armed conflict and instead engage in peaceful negotiations. The true worth of power diminishes if there is no country or people left to be governed. Human life should not be sacrificed for selfish ambitions or personal interests in the pursuit and exercise of power.

We emphasize that human life is sacred and must be respected and preserved at all costs.

The dire situation in Darfur and the precarious conditions faced by displaced individuals seeking refuge paint a distressing picture—escaping one perilous situation only to face another. This ongoing war in Sudan must cease, and we earnestly appeal to the two generals and their supporters to recognize the urgency of ending the suffering endured by their fellow countrymen and women.

To the members of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the entire Sudanese community, we, your spiritual fathers, offer our assurance. Though you may feel surrounded and perplexed, do not despair or sense abandonment. Remember, the Lord is with you; it is He who brings wars to an end and renders weapons powerless (Psalm 46:9). We stand in solidarity with you during these challenging times, upholding you daily in our prayers.

Remember, the Lord of Hosts is with you and He bids you PEACE

[signed by]

MOST REV. DR. ALBERT CHAMA
CAPA CHAIRMAN, PRIMATE OF THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF CENTRAL AFRICA AND BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF LUSAKA

For and on Behalf of

Most Rev. Dr. Samy, Province of Alexandria
Most Rev. Sixbert Macumi, Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi
Most Rev. Georges Titre Ande, Province de L’Eglise Anglicane du Congo
Most Rev. Carlos Mashine, Iglesia Anglicana de Mozambique e Angola
Most Rev. Dr. James Richard Wang Yin Song, Church of the Province of Indian Ocean 

Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, Anglican Church of Kenya
Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
Most Rev. Dr. Laurent Mbanda, L’Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda
Most Rev. Dr. Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Church of Southern Africa
Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Episcopal Church of South Sudan
Most Rev. Dr. Maimbo Mndolwa, Anglican Church of Tanzania
Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, Church of the Province of Uganda
Most Rev. Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Church of the Province of West Africa

Releasing Our Potential to Realize Our Possibilities

Most Rev. Albert Chama 

Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit 

Ven J.W. Kofi deGraft-Johnson 

Dr John M Kimani

CHAIRMAN AG. VICE CHAIRMAN GENERAL SECRETARY HON.TREASURER

Related Categories: Abp Albert Charma, Abp Ezekiel Kondo, Abp Justin Welby, Bishop Anthony Poggo,capa, Church of the Province of Central Africa, civil war, Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Sudan, violence

View original:

https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2023/12/africa’s-primates-send-statement-of-solidarity-to-primate-of-sudan-“we-are-standing-with-you”.aspx

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