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An Open Letter of Condolence to the People of Sudan on the Death of Vice-President John Garang

August 1, 2005

From the Office of the Executive Director

Church World Service joins people of goodwill the world over in offering profound sympathy to the people of Sudan on the tragic and untimely death of Vice-President John Garang and others who perished with him in a helicopter crash on July 30.

As one of the leading architects of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in January, Dr. Garang has borne the hopes of the southern Sudanese, and indeed the entire nation, as you, the people of Sudan, have prepared to gird yourselves for a new era of peace, dignity, and reconstruction of your ravaged land.

At this critical time--and as a living memorial to Dr. Garang--we join our long-time partner the New Sudan Council of Churches in encouraging the peoples of Sudan, as well as the international community, to remain steadfast in commitment to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

We join the New Sudan Council of Churches in praying that the Sudanese government will live up to the highest hopes of people throughout Sudan, ensuring that the present dark clouds will not eclipse the people’s heartfelt aspirations.

With God's grace, may the people of Sudan find the strength to endure and transcend this tragic loss.

Rev. John L. McCullough
Executive Director and CEO
Church World Service

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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