AFRECS

My copy of Episcopal Life arrived today. It has a good article, ”Seeking Ways to Help,” that describes a relatively new organization of Episcopalians. According to the article, the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS) exists to encourage advocacy and prayer about Sudan, raise awareness of dire needs in the country, and provide a forum for people to compare notes as they separately try to strengthen southern Sudan and the Episcopal Church of Sudan. It includes many U.S. parishes and dioceses who have partner relationships with Sudanese dioceses, as well as Sudanese living in the U.S.

AFRECS held a national meeting in California during February, and I hear that our Archdeacon Robert attended that meeting. I gather this group may be an important source of information and concerted action. The AFRECS website may be useful for Episcopalians wanting more in-depth information, and it has a good set of links.

As I understand it, AFRECS is trying to tackle some of the big, thorny issues that complicate our work with the Church in Sudan. For example, I learned while in Lui that it is illegal (under U.S. law) for us to send money to Sudan. That's because the U.S. government has determined that the Sudanese government in Khartoum is a state sponsor of terrorism. Unfortunately, that declaration also complicates our work with the folks in Lui who are not functionally associated with the Khartoum government.

Let's hope this organization will give much-needed support to our diocese's work with Lui.