Canon Ian Woodward, who has spent more than 25 years building strong relationships with the Church of Sudan and South Sudan, has been presented with the Cross of St Augustine, one of the highest awards in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The award was announced last autumn, but presented at a special Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral by the Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Rev Stephen Lake this week.
The Diocese of Salisbury has had a link with Sudan for more than 50 years.
Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, preached at the service, using the text of the Good Samaritan. He said: “Thank you Ian for the part you have played: I know you have visited challenging places in South Sudan. Please continue to pray for these two countries. I was in Sudan last year, meeting Archbishop Ezekiel, seeing how he was struggling but continuing to encourage his people. Please pray for him, and the Archbishop of South Sudan, Justin Badi.
“Once again, thank you for the link and thank you to Ian . This is indeed a recognition that you deserve.”.