Arcbishop Elias Taban Access Radio/Fle Photo
(YEI) – Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in South Sudan and Uganda has announced his intention to strengthen partnerships with local, regional and global religious organisations in an effort to advance peace, reconciliation and unity in South Sudan.
The Archbishop was recently elected as the Regional President for the North East Africa Region under the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and as Chairman of AEA’s Executive Board.
The elections took place during an international evangelical leadership meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 29 May 2025.
Following his appointment, Archbishop Elias Taban outlined a strategy to collaborate with major church based organisations both within South Sudan and abroad.
He stated that he will work closely with the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and the Evangelical Alliance of South Sudan (EASS) to unify Christian institutions and promote civic education, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across the country.
“These are separate entities with distinct missions and structures,” he said. “It’s essential for the communities in South Sudan and above all the Government to understand these differences. Doing so will help build cooperation, reduce misunderstanding, and strengthen our collective efforts.”
The Archbishop stressed the need for joint action among faith based bodies to push forward national healing and development in the war affected country.
He called for civic education campaigns to help clarify the roles of different church organisations, saying that such understanding would foster stronger cooperation across religious communities.
As part of his peace building strategy, Archbishop Elias plans to engage with at least six interconnected church institutions at national, regional and international levels. These include:
+ South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC)
A national body uniting various Christian denominations focused on peace, unity and social justice. While influential, SSCC membership is not mandatory for all churches.
+ Evangelical Alliance of South Sudan (EASS)
An umbrella body for evangelical churches in South Sudan, advocating for community development, reconciliation and faith based dialogue. EASS reports to the AEA.
+ Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA)
A continental network promoting collaboration among evangelical churches. The AEA helps its regional members, including those in South Sudan, address common challenges and build unity.
+ World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)
A global evangelical network with permanent representation at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. AEA is affiliated with WEA and aligns with its international mission.
+All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC)
A pan African ecumenical body to which the SSCC is accountable. It promotes social justice and regional peace among member churches.
+World Council of Churches (WCC)
A global ecumenical body that includes various Christian denominations. It supports interfaith dialogue and human rights advocacy. The AACC reports to the WCC.
Archbishop Elias aims to mobilise coordinated efforts across national borders and global platforms to support peace and social progress in South Sudan by networking with these bodies and placing South Sudanese voices at the centre of continental and global church affairs.
He believes that effective partnerships between churches and civic leaders can help resolve conflict and promote long term stability.
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