SOUTH SUDAN: Late Archbishop Lukudu Among Lambeth Award Winners for Exemplary Contribution to Church and Society

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The late Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro who was laid to rest on Monday, April 12, inside St. Theresa’s Kator Cathedral Parish of Juba Archdiocese is among the 2021 Lambeth Award winners, normally given to those whose exemplary services to the Church and the entire world is outstanding.

The Lambeth award which is divided into various categories was established in 1940 and is normally given by the Archbishop of Canterbury the Principal leader of the Church of England to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Church and wider society.

Announcing the 2021 awards, Archbishop Justin Welby disclosed that the honour has been given not only to those who have served faithfully over the years but also those who supported the needy with dedication during pandemic.

“During the pandemic, we have seen just how vital the contribution of churches is to the fabric of our society. As well as finding creative ways to worship together safely, churches have been feeding the hungry, reaching out to the lonely and offering hope to those struggling in the midst of the crisis,” Archbishop Welby said.

The head of the Church of England added, “This year’s Lambeth Awards recipients, not all of whom are Christians, embody this spirit of service – not just during the pandemic but, for many of them, through decades of faithful work. I commend them and their efforts, and look forward to the time when we meet to celebrate their contributions to society.”

Archbishop Welby announced that the late Archbishop Lukudu, Emeritus of Juba Archdiocese, received “The Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation for consistently demonstrating exceptional commitment to the defense of human rights and contributing to peace and ecumenism in South Sudan (1983-2019).”

“Throughout the two decades of civil war (1983-2005), and up to his retirement in December 2019, the Archbishop Emeritus of Juba, as an individual and President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC), remained deeply committed to peace, with an outstanding voice in defense of human rights and the dignity of non-Muslims and people of African race in Sudan,” he noted.

Highlighting further the works of Archbishop Lukudu which made him qualify for the award, the Archbishop of Canterbury said that the Archbishop-emeritus of Juba “spoke out boldly and courageously against dehumanization and any sort of abuse against non-Muslims, especially during the regime of former president Omar Hassan Al Bashir.”

Additionally, continues the Archbishop, “He exhibited leadership in the face of eminent danger to his life, (and) he also championed ecumenism and the unity of the Church under the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) now South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC).”

According to the leader of the Church of England, Archbishop Lukudu has received the posthumous award since he “rallied ecumenical effort for peace and reconciliation through advocacy and humanitarian service to those affected by war.”

“He was renowned for his deep spirituality, humanity, wisdom, love for all people, and ardent desire for peace (and) he commanded the respect and admiration of many people, irrespective of religious affiliations, race, tribe and gender,” Archbishop Welby disclosed.

During the burial of Archbishop Lukudu in Juba nearly three weeks ago, the Auxiliary Bishop of Juba who read the Eulogy Rt. Rev. Santo Loku Pio hinted that Archbishop emeritus who served as a Prelate for over 30 year, was to receive an award for reconciliation and interfaith cooperation in the course of this year (2021).

The 2021 Lambeth Award has been given to over 30 recipients including scientists, musicians, academics, activists, peacemakers, doctors and clergy.