Christian churches seeking to save South Sudan

With seven-year-old South Sudan in the throes of civil war and famine, one bright spot appears to be its churches. A report by freelance journalist James Jeffrey says the tens of thousands killed and millions displaced could have been worse were it not for the efforts of Christians.

“The churches have emerged as one of the country’s few stable institutions,” Jeffrey wrote for the American Conservative. “This has enabled church leaders to effectively lobby the international community to support the southern cause while also brokering peace between communities torn apart by war and ethnic strife.”

“The churches in South Sudan operate very ecumenically,” said John Ashworth, who has advised churches there for more than 30 years. “This is rare worldwide. The churches as bodies have remained united in calling for an end to the killing . . . sometimes at great personal risk.” 

Jeffrey identifies the formation of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) in 1990 as a key to this cooperation. The coalition spearheaded efforts that proved influential in a 2005 peace deal and the 2011 independence referendum.

Work remains, but the SSCC is backing a national Action Plan for Peace to resolve both current and long-standing conflicts.