Sudan
Mission worker: Michael Weller, regional liaison for the Horn of Africa (South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia)
News
The two arrested Sudanese pastors, Rev. Yat Michael and Rev. Peter Yen Reith, have been released
Pastors on trial in Sudan await July 2 hearing
Rev. Yat Michael and Rev. Peter Yen Reith, imprisoned for their faith since December 2014 and January 2015, respectively, will have the opportunity to answer a judge’s questions. The hearing could result in continuation of the trial or, if the evidence against them is weak, the charges against them may be dropped.
May 2015 World Council of Churches supports SSCC statement
WCC and Church leaders in South Sudan urge South Sudan government to stop the war
As the tragic situation of conflict in South Sudan moves into its 18th month, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) continue calling for an end to the senseless conflict. READ MORE.
PC(USA) issues call to prayer for safety and release of two pastors detained in Sudan
Church partners in Sudan and South Sudan have asked for prayers for the safe release of two pastors, Rev. Yat Michael and Rev. Peter Yen Reith, South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, who have been detained without charge in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, since December 2014 and January 2015, respectively. The court hearing started May 21. To learn more, click here.
July 2013 Two Sudanese ecumenical councils established—the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), based in Juba, and the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC), based in Khartoum. The two plan to celebrate their 50-year Golden Jubilee together in January 2015
Watch a video of the Sudan webinar
Violence and turmoil in the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan are in the headlines every week. What can Presbyterians do to respond?
Join Debbie Braaksma of Presbyterian World Mission’s Africa Office for an in-depth webinar that tells you how Christians are being marginalized and persecuted in the Republic of Sudan, inter-ethnic fighting in South Sudan, and violence along the border. In the midst of these crises, you’ll find out how Presbyterians are working alongside Sudanese and South Sudanese partners to be agents of reconciliation, evangelism and justice in Africa.
Hear from a pastor of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and U.S. Presbyterians who are making a difference in God’s world. Most importantly, you’ll hear how you can be in prayer for our sisters and brothers in Sudan and South Sudan, and other practical ways you can support them.
Background
Sudan, the largest and one of the most geographically diverse states in Africa, split into two countries in July 2011 after the people of the south voted for independence.
Read about the Republic of South Sudan here.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) celebrates more than 100 years of ministry in Sudan. Our engagement in this country involves ministry through mission personnel and our partner church relationships. The PC(USA) joins its partners in Sudan in a holistic approach to ministry that includes education and leadership development, community development, evangelism and new church development.
Since Sudan gained independence in 1956 civil war has gripped the nation for most of its post-colonial history. Nevertheless, many people in Sudan have struggled to find a common peace. We join together with the Christian churches of Sudan in efforts to end the conflict and bring new opportunity to all peoples of Sudan. Our sisters and brothers in Sudan call on us to speak out and stand with them in their fight for peace and justice for all.
Resources
Sudan Partner Churches and Organizations
Presbyterian Church of Sudan (PCOS)
The Presbyterian Church in Sudan is now a small remnant of what it was as, after independence, most of its members fled to South Sudan. PCOS strives to be a faithful witness in Sudan.
Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC)
The American Mission started in the northern part of Sudan as part of the Egypt-Sudan mission from the Presbyterian Church of North America. In 1964 all missionaries were expelled from the country, leaving the work of the mission in the hands of the Sudanese. And capable hands they were. The SPEC has grown in strength and numbers since that time, with congregations in all areas of northern and western Sudan and more recently in the Republic of South Sudan as the largest percentage of SPEC members moved South in anticipation of the forming of this new country. The SPEC is involved in a holistic ministry, including education for children, health work, literacy training for adults and evangelism. The SPEC has a vision of working in these areas of the north where there is a strong Muslim presence and of planting churches in these areas where there has been no Christian presence as well as planting churches in the Republic of South Sudan.
Sudan Council of Churches
The Sudan Council of Churches exists to engage churches and people of good will in advocacy for peace, justice, equality, and human rights in the Sudan, and to enable member churches to acquire relevant skills and resources for ministering in word and service to the Sudanese people in general, and the poor in particular, in multi-faith, multi-ethnic and conflict situations.
Sudan Advocacy Action Forum (SAAF)
This is a major channel of Presbyterian efforts for advocacy for Sudan, which grew out of the Sudan Mission Network.
Nile Theological College - KHARTOUM
Nile Theological College - Khartoum was founded to train pastors, theologians and Christian educators for the Presbyterian Church of Sudan and the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. There is an Arabic Track and Diploma Program.
The college has four tracks: Christian Education, Pastoral, Exegetical and Theology.
The college offers a quality education to women and men in preparation for serving Jesus Christ in the difficult circumstances of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan.
Presbytery Partnerships
Presbytery of Redstone
Presbytery of Shenango
Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network
- For more information contact Virgil Bodeen or Paula Tibbs
2016 meeting: October 3-4, Louisville, Ky.
The Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.
Learn more about Sudan
Visit the BBC country profile.
