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.”.
Among those present to congratulate Ian were two former Bishops of Salisbury, Rt Revd Nick Holman and Rt Revd David Stancliffe.
Canon Ian has worked for more than 25 years to build relationships between Sudan and South Sudan. The award noted his "exceptional and tireless dedication in forging and maintaining lasting relationships."
The Cross of St Augustine is presented only for significant contributions to the life of the Anglican Communion.
Bishop Stephen said: “Ian has served so faithfully and courageously - this award is so richly deserved. We thank God for Ian's commitment and dedication, and for our partnership with Sudan and South Sudan."
Speaking of the award, Canon Ian said: “I am truly amazed and honoured to receive this Cross of St Augustine award and see it as a tribute and award to our Diocese and Cathedral in which our Sudans Partnership plays such an important part in our common life. I'm deeply grateful to our parishes and deaneries and those in our Sudans Medical Link who so faithfully and enthusiastically support internal provinces, dioceses, schools and clinics in Sudan and South Sudan for our partnership over more than 50 years - it is, I trust, something in which we can all share.”
