The Revd Amos Manga visiting South Sudan


The Revd Amos Manga, who serves the White Nile Congregation in Northern Finland, has recently been on a trip back to his homeland, the world's newest country, South Sudan. He has been in the country for about two weeks now. The purpose of his trip is to meet with members of his family and the officials and clergy of the Episcopal Church in Sudan. The Sudanese community which comprises the White Nile Congregation in Finland has been very active in assisting the young country to build up its infrastructure and governmental bodies; though many have stayed in Finland some have returned back to their home country.

Unfortunately, as we know, just a couple of days ago, there was an attempted coup against the President Salva Kiir. Fr Amos has reported hearing gunfire continuously in the capital, Juba, where he is at present. He is safe, but apparently about 500 people have been killed in violent clashes in the past 48 hours. He adds that Church leaders in South Sudan are calling for calm and are seeking to offer help to the Government to restore peace in the country. He hopes to get to the countryside in next two or three days, when the security situation improves.

Pray for Fr Amos, that he may be kept safe, and for all the people of his land who are caught up in this recent violence, and for those who work to bring peace and order.   

Fr Amos's colleague, the Revd Tuomas Mäkipää, the Chaplain of St Nicholas's, Helsinki, has been in touch with Fr Amos. He writes:  

As we prepare for celebrating a peaceful Christmas, let us remember those our brothers and sisters who live in uncertainty and pray for those who have lost their lives and those who mourn for them; and let us pray especially for the people and leaders of South Sudan that they - and all people - may be governed in peace with justice and mercy. Christ was incarnated into this world to meet us in our weakness as the Angels sung to the shepherds ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’


Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. (Collect for the Peace of the World)

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