Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby on Thursday said after a meeting with President Salva Kiir that he discussed ‘forgiveness’ with the South Sudanese leader, adding that he aims to support reconciliation in the country through the Episcopal Church in South Sudan.
Welby, who is Primate of the Anglican (i.e. Episcopal) churches in England and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, stopped in Juba during a tour of several African states.
The aim of his tour is to meet and “express solidarity” with the African archbishops within his church, according to a press release from Lameth Palace, which is Welby’s office.
He was received in the capital Juba by Episcopal Archbishop Daniel Deng Bol, as well as Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs Mark Lote’de Lochapi, and the president himself.
The local Catholic station Bakhita Radio reported that the archbishop discussed with the president ‘forgiveness,’ which is a concept closely linked to ideas of reconciliation, justice and peace. “Archbishop Justin Welby said he discussed with President Salva Kiir the nature of forgiveness and what is needed to achieve forgiveness,” reported the station.
The English churchman promised to support the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission headed by Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul: “What we can do and we promise to do is to accompany and support those like His Grace (Daniel Deng) who are leading the reconciliation locally.”
“Yes, we are committed to finding ways to support and accompany His Grace and those who work with him and others who are seeking reconciliation. But it must be led by the people of South Sudan, not the people from outside, because only the people themselves can change the colors of their own history,” said Welby.
The Anglican archbishop is expected on Friday to visit Bor, capital of Jonglei State, which was razed in fighting from mid December to mid January. He is travelling with his wife Caroline and the Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs, the Reverend Canon Joanna Udal.
Photo: Archbishop Justin Welby with President Salva Kiir at the Republican Palace in Juba, 30 January 2014 (Radio Tamazuj)