The Anglican Church of South Sudan, a church body of some 1 million members that broke from the Episcopal Church of Sudan over global Anglicanism’s liberal theology, discovered Luther’s Small Catechism and is now considering becoming Lutheran. In December, a delegation visited the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which is looking into providing theological education.
From Albert B. Colver, Bishop Elijah From Sudan Visit to International Center:
Today, Bishop Elijah Arok from the Anglican Church of South Sudan visited the International Center in St. Louis. He came on behalf of Archbishop John Machar Thon. The Anglican Church of South Sudan was formed in 2004 as a breakaway from the Anglican Communion. Since that time, the ACSS has discovered the Small Catechism and is interested in becoming a Lutheran church body. The ACSS seeks to gain rich and full knowledge of Lutheran theology through study of Luther’s Small Catechism and the Book of Concord, several copies of which have been shared with the church leaders and have been enthusiastically received. In many ways the church body has shown its eagerness to learn more about Lutheran doctrine as taught in the LCMS and to have a close working relationship with the Missouri Synod.