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The work of churches in South Sudan to bring peace and reconciliation to the war-torn country will be the focus of a conference in October.Since becoming an independent country, South Sudan has spiralled into a devastating conflict. The Episcopal Church is working in partnership with Christian Aid to seek healing and reconciliation among the various communities affected by conflict. That partnership is being supported by the Church in Wales’ Centenary Appeal.A former South Sudan bishop will be the key speaker at this year’s Church Mission Society’s (CMS) Wales and Borders annual conference. Anthony Poggo served as Bishop of Kajo-Keji for nine years before being appointed Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser on Anglican Communion Affairs in 2016.The online conference on October 16-18 is organised by CMS members Gill Knight, Anna Bessant and the Revd Rana Khan, the chair of CMS Asia Forum and Bishop Officer for World Mission in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon.Mrs Knight, says, “CMS has been working in South Sudan since 1905 - starting with Llewellyn Gwynne (eventually Bishop Gwynne) from Swansea, so we have a strong Welsh connection. But it was to learn more about the peace and reconciliation work going on there now, that it was suggested as this year’s focus. As well as Bishop Poggo, we’ll hear from Lynn Treneary, a CMS Mission Partner working in Maridi diocese, and also present will be Ann Marie Wilson whose work with FGM started in South Sudan with CMS support.“It promises to be a fascinating conference with speakers with first-hand knowledge and experience of the country.”Revd Rana Khan (left) adds, “Our conference brings together former missionaries and supporters of CMS overseas engagements. This year we are not able to meet like previous years, but the pandemic offers us an opportunity to experiment with a meaningful digital gathering to talk about what God is at work in South Sudan. I hope the conference would attract rather a bigger audience to discuss mission in, to and from Wales.”Canon Carol Wardman, the Church in Wales’ advisor for Church and Society, says, “We are delighted that this year’s CMS Conference will give people in Wales the chance to learn more about the peace and reconciliation work of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and we hope it will inspire them to support our Centenary Appeal.”The conference is entirely online. It will use Zoom with the exception of the Sunday service which will be recorded from Crickhowell, where the Revd Rana Khan is the Rector.For more information or to register, email cms.walesconference@gmail.comFind out more about the Centenary Appeal and how to donate