In April 2025 the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) celebrated 100 years since the Cathedral in Yambio was built. (British missionaries introduced the Christian faith into South Sudan). It is the oldest Cathedral in South Sudan and Wimborne Deanery is linked with Yambio and Nzara in Western Equatoria in South Sudan.
Over the years, the twinning between Yambio and Wimborne has included school buildings and medical support as well as ministry and pastoral care. Many of you are also aware of the amazing legacy that Sheila Soper provided by her many visits to South Sudan and her direct work with the Mothers Union. (The Mother’s Union in South Sudan has
been in the forefront of efforts to provide both emergency relief as well as long term development programmes to help bring back hope to families in this troubled country).
Wimborne Deanery were asked to support work in completing a 5-room building to accommodate guests for the 100-year celebration. The idea was to then convert the building to be used by the Mothers Union as part of a wider legacy.
Within a few months enough money had been raised by Wimborne Minster and St Michaels Church to complete the 5 bedroomed building. There are many people to thank for this success, but I would specifically like to thank Chris Thornton and Jill Beech who worked as a team in supporting fundraising opportunities. Also, Anne Pollard and the lunch and chat team of Wimborne Minster, Jane Davidson, both Church congregations, the Mothers Union and many other individuals (you know who you are).
The Sunday lunch at St Michaels was a highlight with both Church’s joined together and enjoying a roast dinner and fellowship together.
We were able to send out some special altar cloths and church linens from the Deanery to Yambio to celebrate the 100-year anniversary. These were kindly sewn by Hilary Gooding from St Michaels Church.
Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”
A message of thanks from Archbishop Samuel Peni Enosa. April 2025.
“Greetings from Yambio in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. This is a time when I can truly say we have celebrated 100 years of the existence of the oldest ECSS church building. It was attended by over 10,000 people. “
Report by Anne Salter (Volunteer for the Salisbury/Sudan Medical Link) who visited South Sudan in 2022 witnessing the amazing work of the Mothers Union.