THE Bishop of Sherborne and the Dean of Salisbury have just returned from a visit to southern Sudan to meet clergy and lay delegates from 31 dioceses.

Dr Graham Kings and the Very Reverend June Osborne attended the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Sudan, held in Rumbek.

The Diocese of Salisbury has been linked with the church for 36 years and attended to hear about issues such as finance and theological education, youth work and interfaith relations.

Security and Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) matters were also reported on, including Lord’s Resistance Army attacks, intertribal fighting, and the church’s role in elections and nation building.

January 9 marks the fifth anniversary of the CPA that has kept the peace between north and south Sudan after a 23-year civil war.

The Archbishop of the ECS, Dr Daniel Deng, will travel to London and hopefully Salisbury from January 8 to 12 to draw attention to the urgent need for sustained action to prevent Sudan returning to war.

It is hoped he will preach in Salisbury Cathedral on January 10.