[Episcopal News Service — Chicago] The Rt. Rev. Joseph Atem, of the Diocese of Renk, describes his diocese’s difficult placement between the two Sudans, and his church’s efforts to help those displace by both recent and past conflicts. The church is especially trying to empower women and youth in order to improve their lives and those of their families. All this is happening while the church is playing a key role in helping form the new South Sudan, which is just over two years old.

– The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is an editor/reporter for the Episcopal News Service.