Ven. John Deng Ater elected the 2nd Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Duk Padiet in Central Province

Following the defrocking of the former Bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Duk Padiet, in accordance with the Anglican canons, tradition and custom, Ven John Deng Ater was elected as the new Bishop of the diocese.

Ven. John Deng is a humble, honest and transparent leader who values and cherish his ministry calling as a standing spiritual leader with the vision of working with the children at the margin and supporting the marginalized communities across South Sudan and to the rest of the world.

Fr. John was ordained as deacon and pastor in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya following the split of the church between the Anglicans and Episcopal of Sudan then over faith and doctrinal issues including aspect of same sake marriage which the Anglican church condemn as a biblical referenced sin and should not be allowed in the church. Having served in the church as evangelist and teacher for many years, he was chosen and ordained to priesthood.

Fr. John later through the support of the UNHCR resettlement program of the lost boys of Sudan (now South Sudan) was taken to the United States of America where he pursued his education and continue his theological studies as well as preaching and heading the Sudanese congregations in Kentucky, a church he still pastors today.

Following the provincial structuring of the Dioceses and provinces in South Sudan Anglican Church, Fr. John was later appointed as a provincial Commissary to the USA in 2015, a position he still serves today.

Following the continuous violence in South Sudan and having a heart for the people at the margin especially the orphans and widows in South Sudan, Fr. John worked with His Grace John Machar, Primate of the Anglican Church and advocating for the funds to support these young children whose parents have been lost during the civil war.

Additionally, the 2013 incident contributed again and as such, the initial center established in Yei was later moved to Juba where it is current serving hundreds of orphans, providing both feeding, education and boarding school support. Fr. John has been very instrumental in the development and leadership activities of the Anglican Church across South Sudan, much of his work can realized in different programming, from his work with Anglican partners, support to orphans and children at the margin, education support to vulnerable children of which most of them have finished their education studies and some are currently working in different part of South Sudan and leadership training of priests. His new office will give him enough time to develop the people he is serving both spiritually, mentally, developmentally and with different support that will enhance the diocese and people in all the churches.

As this election came, it was a continuation of what was started earlier. Fr. John was first nominated in 2015 together Abraham Galuak (defrocked bishop) and Fr. John Chol Awuol in the diocese of Duk Padiet where the two faithfully and humbly declined and asked their brother Abraham Galuak to take the seat as the bishop, there was not election conducted. The church has then again now asked Fr. John Deng to take the position as he was chosen by God with his humble and has accepted both the nomination and election thereof.

As the church prepares for the consecration and enthronement of the Bishop John Deng Ater, we continue to pray and ask for prayers globally for this humble and God sent servant of the Lord to take this important office as the chief shepherd in the Diocese of Duk Padiet and Cathedral of the Good Shepherd where he will continue to feed the flock and work for the betterment of his people.

To God be the Glory!