African Anglican primates have issued a statement expressing solidarity with the “Primate and the faithful of the Episcopal Church of Sudan” amidst the ongoing civil war. The statement, signed by the Most Rev. Albert Chama, Chairman of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), highlights the severe impact of the conflict on thousands of lives over the past eight months.
The civil war in Sudan has led to the loss of thousands of lives, extensive property destruction, and the displacement of nearly a million people from their homes. The African Anglican primates, in a meeting focused on fellowship and consultation, extended their message of solidarity to the Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, and all members of the Episcopal Church, emphasizing their ongoing prayers and steadfast support during these challenging times.
The statement strongly condemns the actions that have resulted in violence and destruction and calls for unity against such acts. The primates expressed unwavering support for the church in Sudan and urged 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. Instead, they urged them to engage in peaceful negotiations.
The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, echoed the sentiment of solidarity, expressing concern for the devastating violence and loss in Sudan. He appealed urgently for a just peace and an end to the killing, emphasizing the sacredness of human life that must be protected and preserved at all costs.
The statement concluded by reminding the members of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the entire Sudanese community that they are not alone, emphasizing the belief that the Lord is with them and has the power to bring wars to an end and render weapons powerless (Psalm 46:9).
The Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion, endorsed the statement, expressing solidarity with the church and people of Sudan and calling for continued prayers for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.