SUDAN FOCUS - 15/01/10 - The Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, Dr Daniel Deng Bul Yak, has met the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Archbishop of Canterbury during his visit to the UK.
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SUDAN FOCUS Hosted by the Diocese of Salisbury, Dr Deng visited London and Salisbury from 7-14th January. He aimed to alert the wider world to the urgent need for sustained action to prevent Sudan returning to war. The Diocese of Salisbury has been linked with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) for 37 years. Following a peace rally in Whitehall opposite 10 Downing Street on Saturday 9th, Dr Deng travelled to Salisbury where he preached in the Cathedral on Sunday 10th on the Feast of the Baptism of Christ. Speaking on the renewed life symbolised by Baptism, he called for new efforts by all Christians to renew the life of Sudan and the whole world by working for peace. On Monday 11th, accompanied by the Bishop of Salisbury Dr David Stancliffe and the Bishop of Sherborne Dr Graham Kings (Chair of the Diocese of Salisbury’s Sudan Link), Archbishop Deng meet the Archbishop of Canterbury before they moved to 10 Downing Street for discussions with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary. On Tuesday 12th Dr Deng met the Associate Parliamentary Group on the Sudan, and on Wednesday 13th was in attendance at Chatham House for the launch of a new report marking the CPA’s 5th anniversary, ‘Rescuing the Peace in Southern Sudan’, co-written by a number of international aid agencies. It examines how the international community, including the British government, should respond to the current critical needs. The Archbishop was telephoned by the Prime Minister again today to respond to requests made by Dr Deng on Monday. The next 12 months will be critical for the future of Sudan. As the country marks the fifth anniversary (9th January) of the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended a devastating civil war, southern Sudan has seen a major upsurge in violence. 48 people were killed and over 200 injured in an attack in Unity State this week. In 2009, over 2,500 people were killed and 350,000 fled their homes. With elections due in April, and a referendum concerning the possible independence of the South scheduled for January 2011, the peace deal is fragile. Violence is likely to escalate further unless there is urgent international engagement. Archbishop Deng said today: “The CPA and the current agreements on referendum and popular consultation are simply pieces of paper until they are actually implemented on the ground. We need the international community to support a document that has already been agreed. The Church is looking for a victory of peace so that people can have peace for life.” He added, “The Prime Minister and Archbishop of Canterbury have both assured me of their continued support and commitment, and I will carry that message back to Sudan today.” The Bishop of Salisbury, Dr David Stancliffe, said today, “Dr Deng’s meetings with the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Archbishop of Canterbury came at a crucial moment. The 12 months left to deliver the CPA are critical for securing a long term future for Sudan, a future which will have consequences for the Horn of Africa and the entire continent.” The Bishop of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, said today, “Archbishop Deng has raised Sudan’s profile very effectively this week with leaders and other agencies in the UK. He is a gift from God at a crucial time. Now for the decisions, details and deadlines.” [ENDS] The Bishop of Salisbury’s Senior Chaplain is the Revd Jonathan Ball Telephone: 01722 334031/07787 758756 |
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