February 11, 2009

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is partnering with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan and its development arm, the Sudanese Development and Relief Agency (SUDRA), to provide emergency assistance to five of the dioceses most impacted by the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the brutality of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel organization which has destroyed villages and caused massive displacement in southern Sudan.

The recent LRA attacks have included murder, child abductions and torture. Many survivors of the attacks have been driven from their homes and are now turning to Episcopal churches for shelter. Church leaders have become overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people.

The Diocese of Ibba, a small and isolated community, has recently taken in 69 families that fled their homes after the LRA destroyed the village of Wowo on January 22. The severity of the violence has cause panic and people are unwilling or unable to return home. Buck Blanchard, missioner for World Mission in the Diocese of Virginia, recently visited Ibba and reported that families are now living behind the church property under trees and makeshift tarps. "They have nothing ... Recently, they have been sending the men back to Wowo during the day; while some stand guard, others collect what food they can and then walk the 14 miles back to Ibba," said Blanchard.

These families as well as thousands of others throughout southern Sudan require immediate assistance. SUDRA reports that without emergency supplies more lives will be lost as a result of starvation and lack of medical treatment. ERD will help to provide shelter, plastic sheets, blankets, food water and medicine to displaced people in the dioceses of Ibba, Mundri, Yambio, Ezo and Maridi.

"People are simply terrified – abandoning their crops in the field, their homes and their few possessions," said Janette O'Neill, ERD's senior director of Africa Programs. "They trade the prospects of food and shelter for simple survival."

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has urged Episcopalians worldwide to join in solidarity with the people of central and eastern Africa by learning more about the crisis in Sudan, persuading political leaders to take action and praying for peace. She calls for people to contribute to the vital work of ERD, whose programs in the region help provide humanitarian aid, especially adequate food and shelter, to those being uprooted by the LRA's atrocities.

ERD will remain in close contact with SUDRA as it responds to victims of the violence and political unrest. To make a donation to help people in Sudan, visit ERD's website at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: ERD designated for the "Sudan Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal News Service