The board of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan met last week in Washington, DC, and northern Virginia.
Thursday was spent in advocacy for the people of Sudan and South Sudan with American legislative and executive officials. Board members were briefed by staffers from the office of Special Envoy to Sudan Ambassador Princeton Lyman, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Democratic Institute, and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Afterward, we attended a briefing of a subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by Ambassador Lyman, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne Richard, and Nancy Lindborg of USAID. And at various times during the day, we met with our own and other Representatives and Senators to talk about the urgent need for humanitarian aid in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, as well as other pressing issues related to the two countries.
Thursday was spent in advocacy for the people of Sudan and South Sudan with American legislative and executive officials. Board members were briefed by staffers from the office of Special Envoy to Sudan Ambassador Princeton Lyman, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Democratic Institute, and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Afterward, we attended a briefing of a subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by Ambassador Lyman, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne Richard, and Nancy Lindborg of USAID. And at various times during the day, we met with our own and other Representatives and Senators to talk about the urgent need for humanitarian aid in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, as well as other pressing issues related to the two countries.
 |
| AFRECS board president Bishop David Jones with Congressman Frank Wolf, a longtime Congressional advocate for Sudan issues.
Friday the board had an all-day retreat to discern AFRECS' mission going forward. Our statement will appear in the blog and on our website within a few days. Saturday morning we carried out the necessary business related to continuing advocacy in light of the constantly shifting circumstances in the Sudans, financial matters, and our presence at General Convention.
Friday evening we took part in a candlelight prayer vigil for the Sudans at St. Mary's Church in Arlington, Virginia using the Propers for Peace (BCP 930). With thanks to Father Andrew Merrow, the rector there, for putting it together, we are happy to share the scripture, prayers, and format of what was a very moving service:
A Prayer Vigil for Sudan and South Sudan
I. Welcome
Bell tolls
Reading: Micah 4:1-5
Lord's Prayer
BCP page 815 Prayer #3, Prayer #6
[silence, 20 minutes]
II. Bell
Ephesians 2:13-18
BCP page 816, #5
BCP page 815, #4
[silence, 20 minutes]
III. Bell
Colossians 3:12-15
BCP page 833, #62
BCP page 258, #18
[silence, 20 minutes]
IV. Bell
Matthew 5:43-48
Closing prayer for Sudan and South Sudan
Blessing
|
No comments:
Post a Comment