Moderator Joins Pope in Call to Prayer for Peace

Friday February 16 2018

^{Pope Francis and the Rt Rev Derek Browning at their meeting in October 2017}

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is joining Pope Francis and Christian leaders around the world in calling for a day of prayer for peace next week.

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning was invited to join the ecumenical day of prayer and fasting on Friday February 23 by Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Anglican leaders and other Christian denominations around the world will also take part in the day of prayer, which will focus in particular on the conflicts in Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Dr Browning said: "In many parts of the world tension and strife are strongly present. When one part of the human family hurts, all parts of the family hurt.

“I am extending this invitation to all parts of the Church of Scotland to spend some time in quiet prayer and reflection for all people living through conflict at this time, and particularly those in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in South Sudan.

“We might pray for the gift of peace not only to be given but to be received, not only to be hoped for but to be worked towards and to be sustained—in these places, and everywhere.”

The Church of Scotland has been working closely with partners in South Sudan, to seek an end to conflict in the world's youngest country.

On March 5 the Church is welcoming 11 peacebuilders from the country, including Santino Odong, Principal of the Nile Theological College and Orozu Lokine Peace Desk secretary for Pibor Presbytery. During their two-week visit the group will take part in mediation training, trauma counselling and a retreat on Iona. They will also visit congregations in Edinburgh, Argyll, Hamilton, Forfar, Perth and Cupar.

There is a chance to hear from the visitors from South Sudan at an event in St Andrew's and St George's West Church, Edinburgh, on March 19. More details at Eventbrite.

Post Tags: south sudan, pope

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Comments

Phil Tanis - Thursday, February 22nd, 2018

“The World Communion of Reformed Churches is pleased to be able to share this prayer for South Sudan:

Reconciling Lord,
We pray for our sisters and brothers in South Sudan
Torn by war and strife
Longing for peace
Working for justice
Looking for love
Your Son opens his arms to all
Embracing our brokenness
Healing our woundedness
Let us open ourselves to each other
Realizing that it is only in loving acts of hospitality
That we find our common humanity
A shared way of being
And you.
Amen.
”

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