AFRECS: American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan

3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304

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Annual Conference, AFRECS

AFRECS Statement Regarding Annual Conference

August 2, 2011:

The Board of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan  has decided to devote its energy and resources to its participation at the 2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church to be held this summer in Indianapolis, Indiana and to not organize a national conference in 2012.  We hope that many of you can connect with various activities which we hope to hold at the General Convention. 

 

Archive Documents for 2011 Conference:

The Church and Sudan:

Partnering for the Future

 

June 17-19, 2011
Christ Episcopal Church
Glen Allen, Virginia (near Richmond)

The Conference focused on moving forward with Sudan, both as a new nation and in partnership with the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS), learning about the challenges and opportunities presented to American partners and prospective partners as they join the journey.

Workshop Presenter Biographies and Materials: 

Plenaries and workshops

Understanding Sudan: A Brief History of the Nation and the Church

 

 

Dr. Fegley will provide an overview of Sudan’s geography, culture, history and governance, an analysis of Sudan’s

religions, and the role of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement as a major factor in Sudan’s current political context.

Professor Jones will discuss the history and role of the Episcopal Church of Sudan as a key institution in Sudan and

as a major player in the movement toward independence.

South Sudan: Challenges and Opportunities

 

As South Sudan moves toward independence on July 9, the unfinished business of the Comprehensive Peace

Agreement may jeopardize any prospect of peace and stability for the new nation. Ambassador Goulty, who

represented the United Kingdom during CPA negotiations and who has maintained an ongoing interest in Sudan,

will offer observations on the current political landscape and what challenges are likely to present themselves to the

new republic. Ambassador Goulty's remarks will be augmented by reflections from two ECS bishops currently

visiting the United States: Bishop Abraham Nhial, Diocese of Aweil, and Bishop Andudu Elnail, Diocese of Kadugli

and the Nuba Mountains.

Sudan: The Larger Context

As the Republic of South Sudan moves closer to reality, Darfur remains a region of turmoil which prevents the full realization of peace and stability for all parts of Sudan. Violence in Darfur impacts the total political environment in which relations between what will become two sovereign nations is played out. Ambassador Smith will share observations on this larger political context and efforts by the US Government to end the ongoing conflicts in Darfur and to influence the government in Khartoum to commit to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Partnerships: Opportunities to Build and Contribute

Many throughout the United States and the United Kingdom have developed partnerships with dioceses of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) as well as with the province itself. With the dawn of independence and the nation-building challenges that lie ahead for this new nation, Buck Blanchard and Ian Woodward will discuss the needs and possibilities, challenges and opportunities that such partnerships present. Volunteer for Mission Larry Duffee has been working with the ECS to effect linkages and help create systems of financial management that provide the credibility that partners seek as they establish connections with ECS friends.

Seeking Peace After the Long War: Addressing Ethnic Conflict as South Sudan Prepares for Independence

Throughout the 20-year civil war in southern Sudan, ethnic divisions often worsened the larger north-south conflict. Many of these tensions remain flashpoints today. This workshop explores the church's leadership role in facilitating ethnic reconciliation across southern Sudan, both now and during the war. The Rev. Ross Kane, former Episcopal Church missionary who worked with the New Sudan Council of Churches on ethnic reconciliation projects, will offer observations from his experience.

Education and Sudan's Future

The persistent plea for expanding educational opportunities for Sudanese as they face the challenges of a democratic society and economic viability has been met in part by two efforts to extend schooling to Sudanese. Hope for Humanity, Inc., a non-profit based in Richmond, VA, constructed and continues to fund Hope and Resurrection School, a growing secondary school in Atiaba which with the active support of US churches has become an exemplary secondary school for Sudanese young men and women. Project Education Sudan, based in Denver, CO, has developed extensive educational partnerships with South Sudanese throughout Sudan and is a leader in promoting innovative school projects. Both programs/projects suggest ways in which Sudan’s need for schools can be met through partnerships.

A Companion Connection

The presenters will lead a conversation about the hands-on side of the companion relationship, drawing particularly on their experience with visits between the Diocese of Missouri in The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Lui in The Episcopal Church of Sudan. Susan, a deacon and a registered nurse, has engaged in health care, health education, and health research in Lui as well as pastoral conferences and general team projects. Debbie is the current relationship coordinator on the Missouri side; she has been especially involved in the areas of education, technology, and women's empowerment. Other Missourians will contribute via video, and workshop participants will be invited to consider and discuss the rewards and challenges of hands-on projects and activities carried out by TEC and ECS partners.

Theological Education

Participants will be updated on theological education programs of the ECS and learn ways in which American friends are and can be involved. The Ven. Trevor Stubbs will describe his effort to strengthen Bishop Gwynne College during his term as Interim Administrator. Dr. Ellen F. Davis, founder of the Visiting Teachers Program with Renk Theological College, continues to pursue her interest in development of theological education, community health and sustainable agriculture for the ECS. Dr. Cook will reflect on VTS’s longstanding work in theological education for Sudanese clergy. The context for the discussion is the increased need for priests as the ECS grows and takes on the added challenges of serving an independent South Sudan.

Advocacy: Telling the Story

This session will show how to make the case for U.S. government action for peace and development in Sudan, with particular attention to how one arranges for and appropriately conducts a congressional or senatorial visit, how to present (and how not to present) your concerns, and some of the related requirements and customs for successfully lobbying a member of Congress and his/her staff, as well as key committee staff. Past examples, various pointers, and appropriate follow-up steps will be offered. The presenters are both Washington lawyers with experience in such efforts and in compliance with rules for lobbying. They will provide the 2011 Congressional Directory to participants. These exercises will be built around current issues facing Sudan in the months ahead and the role of the US Government in supporting a free, independent, and stable Republic of South Sudan.

Micro-Enterprise: A Means of Empowerment

Already there are efforts throughout Sudan to equip Sudanese to undertake businesses which not only provide essential services to communities but also give livelihoods to hundreds who need incomes for themselves and their families. Craig Cole of Five Talents will discuss how such initiatives offer chances for thousands to move from poverty to economic well-being. The United Thank Offering meanwhile has provided grants to sustain various initiatives at the provincial and diocesan level. Anne Gordon Curran will describe the processes whereby our thankful giving can make a substantial difference to projects and institutions launched by the Episcopal Church of Sudan.

Commitments and Next Steps

This summary session will encourage participants to share what they have learned and how they hope or plan to work for a sustainable peace in Sudan and engage in partnerships and advocacy so as to strengthen the Sudanese church as it enters a new phase of its history.  Brief reports from the various workshops and plenary sessions will be offered.