Leeds Diocese is linked with the Episcopal Church in Sudan. Our link opens a window on another part of the world helping to widen our horizons. The spirit of the link is partnership. Together we are members of the Body of Christ, so the link works both ways:
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We receive as much as we give
- We respect each other
- We listen to each other
- We pray for each other
- We work on shared tasks
We aim to support and encourage our brothers and sisters who feel marginalised and oppressed in their own country, yet maintain their faith in Christ with great courage.
The Forgotten War
A civil war broke out in Sudan on 15th April 2023 during Ramadan. The main antagonists are the Sudanese Army (SAF) and a militia, descended from the Janjaweed, the Rapid Support Force (RSF). There is currently no end in sight. Both sides think that they can win.
Church News
Ludia Shokai from Leeds visited Juba and the Nuba mountains with her three sisters in February 2026. She attended a one-day retreat led by Bishop Hassan. There was a Mothers’ Union licensing too. The ordination of three deacons and three priests took place in the open air, as they were advised that for security reasons the church was not a safe venue.
The sisters spent four days and nights in the Nuba Mountains, two days in the Yida refugee camp and one week in Juba. Refugees and Sudan Government workers are doing their own work, mainly selling, to secure income to maintain themselves. We heard that translation work for the Bible in Nuba languages is taking place based in South Sudan.
There has been a request from Bishop Hassan for funding for Katcha school for one year. It was founded by CMS in 1939, nationalised by the Government in the 1950s and returned to the church in 2024. The Link Group are consulting the Archbishop for his advice and are minded to assist longer term if requested.
Bishop Fajak is in Port Sudan, teaching church leaders. This is wonderful news as Fajak was seriously ill and having treatment for a life-threatening illness in Khartoum when the war broke out in April 2023. It is thought that there is nothing in Khartoum for him to return to. His wife Mama Cici and their four daughters remain in Khartoum in exile.
Archbishop Ezekiel has been in Cairo for his wife’s eye treatment. She was diagnosed with cataracts in Bingley during their visit in November 2025.
It is reported that 28,000 people have been reached with food thanks to the Leeds and Salisbury diocesan links with Sudan.
Leeds Link Responses to Need
With Archbishop Ezekiel’s leading, since the war broke out we have been able to support two Youth Conferences in Port Sudan. We have provided funds for an Agricultural Project growing the basic carbohydrate, sorghum. We have supported the payment of clergy salaries across the country. We provided some pay for Khartoum Diocesan staff not able to leave the capital. (They were unpaid for 8 months.) We have provided relief through the church for those in need.
Giving to the Sudanese Church
All money given by churches here goes to Sudan as other expenses are paid for from our own diocesan funds. Send donations to our Diocesan Office marked 'For Sudan'.
- You can donate via PayPal by clicking here.
- Cheques should be payable to Leeds DBF, and posted with a note saying it's 'for Sudan' to: Leeds Diocese Finance Dept, 17-19 York Place, Leeds LS1 2EX
- BACS transfers should be made to Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance, sort code 09-02-22, account no: 10466302. Don't forget to reference your donation as 'for Sudan'.
- A Gift Aid declaration form for donations to the Sudan Link account can be found here. Please email completed forms to sudanlinkcontact@gmail.com.
Please email sudanlinkcontact@gmail.com with news of what you have done so that we can track your donation through. We may be in touch with you to ask about Gift Aid, and whether you would like to be added to our Sudan Link e-News mailing list.
Pray for Sudan
Christians in Sudan continue strong in faith and hope, and are greatly deserving of our companionship. We have a Prayer Diary for Sudan. To receive a monthly copy email sudanlinkcontact@gmail.com
Contact us
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Revd Dale Barton Secretary to the Sudan Link Working Group Contact Dale to join an email list and receive up to date news of Sudan |
