South Sudan

Capital: Juba

Major Languages: English, Arabic

Area: 644,329 km2

Population: 11.4 million

HDI Rank: 185 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 4.3 million (37.2%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 4.2 million (36.5%)

Traditional Beliefs: 2 million (20%)

Other: 1.5 million (6.3%)

General Information:

South Sudan, the newest nation in Africa, was a part of Sudan until 2011 when it gained its independence. Sudan means “Land of the Black People”. Since 1956, the south had unsuccessfully tried to form its own nation. Religious and political division led to two civil wars. Starvation, drought, and violence claimed 2.5 million people, throughout these wars. South Sudan faced civil war soon after it was formed, and continues to be divided by war. The people of the country are blessed with astonishing height and strength. Soccer and basketball are popular sports.

Religious Background:

The majority of the South Sudanese population follows Christianity, often intermingled with traditional cultural practices. Many practice traditional African animist beliefs. There are also small groups of South Sudanese Muslims. Religion is generally spoken about openly and frequently in South Sudan. Religion and religious life are an important social and economic aspect in South Sudan. Religion is considered a unifying factor, used to bridge the ethnic differences in the social and economic aspects of society, which was one of the leading causes of civil war.

Catholic background:

Roman influence brought Christianity to Sudan in the 4th century. Catholic missionaries arrived in 1842. Animism retained its hold on the South. Due to the success of the missionary work, leading to improved lives in terms of health and education, most of the locals abandoned their traditional religion and joined the Catholic Church, leading to its spread and popularity. Catholicism grew rapidly by the late 20th century. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 8 dioceses and 104 parishes. Patron saint: Josephine Margaret Bakhita.

Prayer Points

1. South Sudanese to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 4.3 million Catholics in South Sudan.
Catholicism is syncretized with traditional African beliefs and animism. Ask God for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for many Catholics to receive Christ.
Pray that God will pour His Spirit of intercession and call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Catholics in the country.
Pray that they would understand that Jesus saves them completely and forever the moment they trust Him as their Savior.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 104 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 311 priests, 167 brothers and 343 sisters.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will give divine appointments to proclaim Christ to Catholics.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical Christianity grew rapidly over the past 20 years, despite civil violence and strife. There is a need for young Christians to be discipled to maturity in Christ. Pray for well-trained godly pastors, and leaders to serve the church and help it to grow. Pray that there will be united intercession around the nation to pray for the lost to know Christ.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

South Sudanese suffered from forced cannibalism, gang rape, death by burning, and child abduction during their civil war. One-third of the population suffers from abject poverty and chronic hunger. Pray for love, peace and stability to prevail.

5. Other Religions

There are more than half a million Muslims in South Sudan, along with a large population that follow the traditional African religions. Pray that God’s truth will be revealed to them and they would come to an understanding of the true gospel.