Bishop Justin Badi elected Archbishop of Juba and Primate of South Sudan
The Provincial Synod of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan has elected the Rt. Revd Justin Badi Arama, Bishop of Maridi, to succeed the Most Revd Daniel Deng Bul as Archbishop of Juba and Primate of South Sudan.
The Diocese of Down and Dromore has been linked with Maridi Diocese since 1999 and many have appreciated Bishop Justin’s ministry, example and friendship.
Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Rt Revd Harold Miller, offered his congratulations saying:
“I have sent greetings and the assurance of prayer to our beloved friend and bishop of our companionship link, Justin Badi, on his election as Archbishop of Juba and Primate of South Sudan. Justin is a godly and courageous leader, and will, I know, work tirelessly for reconciliation in his very challenging context. Our hearts are filled with joy at his election.”
In a statement to the media released after the election, Bishop Justin said the unification of the church in the midst of a devastated political environment will be one of his top priorities. The Anglican and Catholic Churches in Sudan are one of the few national organizations that have bridged South Sudan’s troublesome tribal divide and the church has traditional played a role as one of the leading voices in civil society.
“As I come, my vision is that Christians in South Sudan should see themselves as brothers and sisters,” Bishop Justin said, adding: “I want to thank my father the outgoing archbishop for all his dedicated service to the Episcopal Church of Sudan to the level where we are today.”
Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, who shepherded the church through its travails during the independence struggle and the ensuing civil war offered his congratulations.
The Diocese of Maridi is situated in Western Equatoria, due west of Juba, the capital city of South Sudan and shares a southern border with DR Congo. The diocese also shares a companion relationship with the Diocese of Albany (New York).
The date of Bishop Justin’s translation to Juba and installation as Archbishop and Primate have yet to be announced.