Global Christian leaders hail Southern Sudan's independence and assure continued support

Nairobi, Kenya, July 8 (ENInews)--Christian leaders from around the world
have pledged support for Southern Sudan, while hailing the region set to
become an independent state on 9 July.

"We affirm our continued humanitarian support through various
community-based initiatives in Southern Sudan, and look forward to stronger
cooperation with your government in this area," said the Rev. Martin Junge, general
secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, in a 6 July letter to the country’
s new president, General Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The government is urging citizens to light candles and pray in churches or
public squares on the eve of independence. At midnight in Sudan, bells
will ring and drums sound across the new country to mark the transition from
Southern Sudan to the Republic of South Sudan.