Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori shared the joy of the Episcopal Church with the people in Sudan on the positive outcome of the country-wide referendum.

“We rejoice with our brothers and sisters in both Southern and Northern Sudan as they work for peaceful co-existence,” she said in a statement issued today.

Sudanese government officials announced on Monday that over 98% voted in favor of independence for the South.

In September, the Presiding Bishop called for a Season of Prayer for Sudan, urging prayer, study, and action for the January 9 referendum.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s statement:

The Episcopal Church is deeply grateful for the peaceful outcome of the referendum in Sudan. We rejoice with our brothers and sisters in both Southern and Northern Sudan as they work for peaceful co-existence. Our partnerships with the Episcopal Church of Sudan, which will remain united as one church body, will continue. We pray for peace, and for communities where all may enjoy the abundant life for which all God’s children have been created.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

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