Sudanese bishop reports civil war has intensified

[David Virtue]

Sudanese bishop reports civil war has intensified

(ACNS) Speaking to the Church of England General Synod November 14,
Archbishop Joseph Marona of the Sudan reported that the situation in
his nation has "deteriorated." More than two million people have died
there in a civil war that has raged for over 45 years. "The extent of
suffering and displacement has defied belief," he said. "People have
been waiting and are still waiting on the Lord for it to end. Human
efforts have led to nothing."

Marona said that his people have learned lessons from waiting. "To wait
on the Lord is an expression of complete trust. By waiting God promises
us a purified heart. By waiting the way opens leading us to purified
behavior."

He said that one of the greatest sufferings is the dispersal of the
Sudanese people. "Over six million have been internally displaced and
millions more have fled the country," Marona said. With people
scattered all over the world, "In exile they are acknowledging God's
mercy in blessing them through his Holy Spirit."

He added, "We urgently need the war in Sudan to come to an end. Our
people cry out to be able to return to their own homes, to be able to
cultivate the land, to rebuild their schools."

END