Lambeth — A Prayer for the Primate and Bishops of Sudan (updated with picture)

Update: I discovered the Rev. George Conger has a fantastic picture of Abp. Deng on his blog, so I just had to update this post to include the Sudanese Primate’s picture!

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Sudanese Primate, Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul

It has come as something of a surprise in the last 24 hours to read of the bold statement passed by the Province of Sudan at the Lambeth Conference. The Sudanese bishops, and their new Primate, the Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Deng Bul have created huge waves at Lambeth by calling for the resignation of bishop Gene Robinson, as the press coverage today demonstrates. (Here are a few links to some of the articles that have appeared in the last few hours: Telegraph, Christian Today, Guardian, Times Online, Anglican Journal (how interesting to note the absence of US Press coverage so far!)) Archbishop Deng Bul gave a press briefing today which you can read here.

As I read this news and think about the stand taken by the Sudanese bishops, I’m reflecting on the crisis in Sudan. I have close personal friends who have worked in Darfur. I know quite a bit about the suffering and need in Sudan. How much easier it would have been for the Sudanese bishops to ignore the problems in the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion and be consumed by their own needs. How easy it would have been for them to close their eyes to the actions of TEC and NOT make waves, so as to continue receiving much needed gifts from wealthy Episcopalians. And yet, that is not what they’ve done. They have done the opposite.

PLEASE read the statement issued by the Province of Sudan and the reports of Abp. Deng’s press conference. A few of the excerpts as reported by Cherie Wetzel of Anglicans United are striking:

“I am here talking to my brothers and sisters in America. We have experienced offense by their actions. I am not trying to offend them in return but tell them that I love them. We have had a painful experience and they must ask for forgiveness so we can go on together. [...]

“This issue of homosexuality in the Anglican Communion has a very serious effect in my country. We are called ‘infidels’ by the Moslems. That means that they will do whatever they can against us to keep us from damaging the people of our country. They challenge our people to convert to Islam and leave the infidel Anglican Church. When our people refuse, sometimes they are killed. These people are very evil and mutilate and harm our people. I am begging the Communion on this issue so no more of my people will be killed.

“My people have been suffering for 21 years of war. Their only hope is in the Church. It is the center of life of my people. No matter what problem we have, no material goods, no health supplies or medicine; no jobs or income; no availability of food. The inflation rate makes our money almost worthless and we have done this for 21 years. The Church is the center of our life together.

“The culture does not change the Bible; the Bible changes the culture. [...]

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Last week I wrote a post focused on the Lord’s charge to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.” It seems the bishops and Primate of Sudan are such bold, strong and courageous leaders. Thanks be to God for their witness and example!

What gives this kind of boldness? The reality of knowing Christ’s power to save and deliver us from sin! One of the Church Fathers, St. John Chrysostom writes of this:

Blessed is God . . . who makes all things and renews them. Those who were captive yesterday are today free persons and citizens of the church. Those who were formerly in the shame of sin now have boldness and righteousness. They are not only free, but saints; not only saints, but just; not only just, but sons; not only sons, but heirs; not only heirs, but brothers of Christ; not only brothers of Christ, but his co-heirs; not only his co-heirs, but his members; not only his members, but temples; not only temples, but instruments of the Spirit. — John Chrysostom

I think boldness also is given as a special gift to those who have been persecuted, and those who have tasted of the Lord’s goodness and strength even in great suffering. (And certainly Sudanese Christians have been persecuted and know suffering!) An alternate translation of Psalm 138:3 says “In the day when I cried out, you answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. ” In Acts 4, we read of the disciples praying for continued boldness upon Peter and John’s release from prison, even as they acknowledged the threats against them:

29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

And likewise, in Ephesians 6, we see the Apostle Paul exhorting believers to pray that he would continue to be bold, even while he was in chains for the Gospel!

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Please join me in offering prayers of thanksgiving for the Sudanese bishops, and the other Global South leaders they represent, and the bold stand they have taken at great cost. Pray too for continued wisdom, strength and protection for the Sudanese bishops in the face of opposition, accusation and persecution.

God of power, whose Holy Spirit renews your people. May the boldness of the Spirit transform the bishops and Primate of Sudan, the gentleness of the Spirit lead them, and the gifts of the Spirit equip them to serve and worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Adapted from CoE Common Worship collects)

Lord, we thank you for the Bishops of Sudan and other Global South leaders who are taking a bold stand for the unchanging truth of Your Gospel. We know that they will face attacks for their stand. Help them to continue to find their strength in your might. Clothe them with your full armor: put on them the shoes of the preparation to share the gospel of peace; gird their loins with your truth; put on them the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation; put on them the shield of faith with which to quench every fiery dart of the evil one; place in their hands the sword of your Spirit which is your word; help them to speak and pray boldly as we are commanded we ought to, and having stood all to stand. Amen, so be it. (From Ephesians 6:10-20) (Adapted from a prayer written by Torre Bissell, one of my L&B colleagues)

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon the Sudanese bishops, and all other Anglican leaders who are taking a bold stand for the Gospel, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace: and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP, prayer for bishops)

(posted by Karen B.)