Mission 21 has been committed to peace in South Sudan for years - and has a broad network. At the end of January, employees of Mission 21 and our interfaith partner organization Procmura met in the Vatican with representatives of churches and organizations that are also committed to interfaith work and peacebuilding.
Mission 21 employees had a busy schedule, meeting with other delegates from the partner organization at the end of January. Procmura in the Vatican. In addition to the Roman Catholic Church, representatives of the Waldensian Church and the Methodist Church from Europe and Africa were also involved in these talks.
The discussions focused on interfaith dialog in Africa and peacebuilding in South Sudan. The presentation of Mission 21's work on the ground aroused great interest among the participating churches and (inter)religious organizations. It was clear to everyone that interreligious and interconfessional cooperation is needed to advance the peace process.
Networking of church actorsÂ
Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, conflict and violence still characterize life in the world's youngest state. This is why Mission 21 has been persistently committed to promoting peace in South Sudan for years - together with the local churches. One important partner organization, for example, is the South Sudan Federation of Churches. This ecumenical umbrella organization unites almost all churches in South Sudan, across denominational and ethnic boundaries.
After the audience at the end of January, Pope Francis greets Father James Oyet Latansio (right, leaning forward). Photo: zVg
The former Secretary General of the Federation of Churches, Father James Oyet Latansio, is currently working for Mission 21. His good connection to Pope Francis (who himself is strongly committed to peace in South Sudan) is helping to ensure that the Roman Catholic Church is also involved in promoting peace in South Sudan. During the talks in the Vatican, the delegates from Procmura and Mission 21 were also able to attend an audience with Pope Francis in the VIP area.
The talks between the various churches, the efforts in interreligious dialog and the networking of church actors are important steps for peacebuilding in South Sudan. They are also important for Mission 21 and strengthen the hope that engagement in the crisis- and conflict-ridden country will lead to a more peaceful future.
â–º Supporting Mission 21's peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan
â–º "Standing up for a peaceful society" - Mission 21's 2025 campaign focuses on peacebuilding
