Reports 1995-1998 Edited by Dwain C. Epps

Withdrawal of call to boycott Shell Oil Company

Action by the Central Committee, Geneva, 14-22 September 1995.

[The Central Committee] encourages the churches to support the international campaign to boycott the Shell Oil Corporation.

In the light of the changed situation in Southern Africa and the lifting of all sanctions and other financial and economic pressures to end apartheid by the Central Committee in January 1994, it was suggested that the Shell boycott might also be lifted at this time.

The General Secretariat Committee recommended and the Central Committee agreed that the World Council of Churches resolve to withdraw its call to member churches to support the boycott of the Shell Oil Company in the light of the changed situation in South Africa.

Here We Stand United in Action for Peace: The Position of the Sudanese Church on the Current Conflict in the Country

Adopted by representatives of the Sudan Council of Churches and the New Sudan Council of Churches at their joint meeting convened and facilitated by the WCC, Morges, Switzerland, 25 September 1996.

The Gospel tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ came not for a part but for the whole of humanity. Thus the Churches must be an instrument of reconciliation in the midst of human struggles for peace and justice anywhere in the world.

“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5: 9).

The churches’ calling demands that they condemn war and constantly engage in efforts to seek peace and pursue it. Peaceful resolution of conflict has always been a major task of the churches. In 1972, the fellowship of churches under the ecumenical umbrella was responsible for the signing of the Addis Ababa Accord that brought to an end the conflict in South Sudan. Since then however, the fighting was resumed in 1983 and still continues to be a major source of concern for the Churches of Sudan.

It was in March 1993 that the joint meetings of the SCC and NSCC first took place to develop a common witness in relation to the worsening situation in Sudan and to ensure that the Churches of Sudan, both in the North as well as in the South, remain at the centre of all ecumenical endeavours for peace and reconciliation.

Since then these meetings have taken place regularly, sometimes in conjunction with other ecumenical events.

At such meetings the churches of Sudan have availed themselves of the opportunity to consider, interpret and assess the various peace initiatives that have been in the offing both at the intergovernmental as well as at the non-governmental levels- Abuja Peace, IGAD Declaration of Principles, Washington Declaration, Carter Peace initiative etc.

At the last such meeting in Oslo, Norway in February 1996 the absence of a Sudan Church position paper on peace and reconciliation was greatly felt. And it was in view of this feeling that the SCC and NSCC came out with a paper: “Here We Stand” that states the position of the Sudanese Church on the current conflict in the country.

Since the paper was developed, many events have taken place in relation to the efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan. These include the UNESC0/UNDP-sponsored symposium on the humanitarian dimension of the conflict (May 1996); the Political Charter signed between SSIM and the Government of Sudan (April 1996); and the Declaration of Principles for the resolution of the Nuba Mountains Problem (July 1996). Most of the efforts made to resolve the conflict in Sudan have little or no participation of the churches in the country. Peacemaking however, remains a matter of faith for all Christians and an important mission of the Church. It is therefore imperative that the Churches in Sudan actively participate in peace-making efforts. The common position paper now titled Here we stand, United in Action for Peace will be the basis for churches’ ministry on peace and reconciliation in Sudan.

The Current Conflict.

Sudan has suffered 40 years of destructive internal conflict with only brief periods of peace and calm. There has been huge loss of life, displacement and the destruction of nearly all social, religious and civil institutions, especially in the South. Millions of our people are denied the basic essentials of life, basic human liberties and access to health care and education.

Therefore Sudanese church leaders from all parts of Sudan have met in Norway in February 1996 and in Switzerland- September 1996 to reflect on the war in our country; the appalling suffering of our people and the desperate need for peace.

We feel it is our responsibility to speak for all the people of Sudan and to suggest ways forward out of the present deadlock. Accordingly we have written this statement of our position, to which we are all committed, concerning our vision and hopes for the future of our country. In the search for a just and lasting peace we offer ourselves without reserve in the service of God and for our people.

The Church is not a narrow social, ethnic or political grouping within Sudanese society. It is the free fellowship of all those who have been drawn together by the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. As those entrusted with the gospel of God’s love we wish to make the following affirmations.

1. 
   The Church in Sudan exists for all the people.
   
2. 
   We believe ourselves called to share the gospel of God’s love freely with all the people of our land. We offer the gospel in a spirit of free and open invitation.
   
3. 
   Believing that all human beings are made in God’s image, we are concerned for the well-being and for justice for all the marginalized and oppressed people of Sudan. We will stand with all the suffering people in the Sudan and speak on their behalf.
   
4. 
   We believe that the problems of Sudan will not be solved by violence. The war must end and negotiations conducted in sincerity and integrity must begin. We commit ourselves to share in that process.
   
5. 
   We believe that the gospel teaches us that repentance and forgiveness are necessary to the process of reconciliation. Following Christ and the way of the Cross, we are learning the path of costly sacrificial love which enables us to forgive our enemies.
   

Whatever political solution is chosen by the people, we believe that peace and harmony will depend on the following principles being followed.

i) A recognition that all human beings are created by God and are precious and equal in his sight.

2. 
   Acceptance that cultural, linguistic and social diversity is a gift of God’s creation, and not to be suppressed. It is rather to be celebrated and recognised as a national richness and resource.
   
3. 
   Freedom of religious expression, worship and witness.
   

v) Participation in political, social and economic life should be open to all irrespective of racial, ethnic, social or religious background.

vi) A resolve to steadily widen the effective participation of all the people in political processes and decision-making.

vii) Political and social conflicts should be solved peacefully.

viii) An openness to trusting dialogue between alienated political, social and religious groups within society.

As leaders of the Sudanese Church we commit ourselves to defend and promote these principles and to work for reconciliation at all levels. We commit ourselves to pray for peace, for reconciliation, for those who suffer, for the oppressed and for the oppressor.

It is not the role of the Church to prescribe particular political solutions or programmes. However, in faithfulness to the principles to which we have committed ourselves, and with deep concern for the well-being of all the people, we urge the following steps should be taken urgently.

i) The war must stop. It daily increases the suffering of the people and produces no hope of resolution.

2. 
   Closely following the cessation of hostilities a process of popular participation must be put in place to resolve urgent political problems. A referendum or similar process must be put in place to address the claim for self-determination by the marginalized areas of Sudan.
   
3. 
   Meanwhile relief, development and educational activities should continue in all war-affected areas and amongst the refugee communities.
   

v) An adequate international monitoring procedure must be put in place to oversee:

a) the cessation of hostilities;

b) the consultation and referendum process;

c) humanitarian assistance.

The UN, IGAD and international religious agencies should be involved in the monitoring process.

The Sudanese Church sees its own role in this process to be the promotion of reconciliation amongst Sudan’s divided and embittered communities in North and South. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God and urges us to repentance and forgiveness so that we may be reconciled to our alienated brothers and sisters.

To this, whatever the cost, we commit ourselves, entrusting ourselves to the God who, in Christ, loves us and gave himself for us. May He grant us peace and true healing and reconciliation within our beloved but suffering country.

Rev. John Gatluok Rev. Sirisio Oromo

Vice Chairman Vice Chairman

Sudan Council of Churches New Sudan Council of Churches