Episcopal Church consecrates four bishops

By Simon Deng

The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) on Sunday consecrated four new bishops to head the dioceses of Gogrial in Warrap State, Duk and Duk Padiet in Jonglei State.

“As ECSS we consecrated three new bishops, one as diocesan bishop of Duk, then another one as suffragan Bishop of Lietnhom area diocese and another is going as suffragan bishop in Duk Padiet,” said Justin Badi Arama, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in an interview with The Dawn in Juba.

The consecrated bishops include Paul Majok Anyang, the diocesan bishop of Duk, Samuel Galuak Marial, the suffragan bishop of Duk-Padiet diocese and Elizabeth Awut Ngor, the suffragan bishop of Rumbek center diocese, and James Baak Nhial, the suffragan bishop of Liethnhom diocese.

“We also recognize the work of the mothers union and we admitted one member of the mothers union to serve at All Saint Cathedral, we encourage ourselves and the new bishops as they go out they have to preach and give the message of hope,” Arama said.

Newly consecrated bishops as seen on Sunday at All Saint Cathedral 

Elizabeth Awut Ngor, the suffragan bishop of Rumbek diocese expressed joy after becoming the first female bishop in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

“The church is the only institution which can bring our people together, I am grateful and I will try my level best to work for the sake of this nation and for the sake of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan,” said Ngor.

Arama said the consecration of the new bishops means expansion of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, adding that new leadership is needed to guide Christians in the new emerging diocesan areas.

“The consecration of bishops means replacement to those who retired, and also it means church growth because ECSS is expanding into all corners of the country and we need additional leadership that will lead and guide Christians in these new areas,” he disclosed.