Doug Ingram, CEO of Relay Trust, and Canon Andy Wheeler visited Cairo in mid May 2025 to reassess and help reinvigorate the Provincial Training strategy planning to support the Episcopal Church of Sudan.
The timing of the visit was particularly significant due to the escalating conflict in Sudan. Unfortunately, the original plans to reopen Shokai Theological College (STC) in Port Sudan in late 2025 have had to be postponed following drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in that city.
Doug and Andy’s objective during the visit was to try and identify effective strategies for continuing theological training during these challenging and uncertain times.
In Cairo, Doug and Andy worked with committed teams from STC and the Nuba Mountains Bible Institute (NBIC), and together they developed a comprehensive pathway forward. Their recommendations include supporting training at various levels, from foundational to advanced theological education, ensuring ongoing momentum despite current obstacles:
At the foundational level, increased efforts will focus on strengthening Theological Education by Extension (TEE), particularly among the Sudanese diaspora in Egypt, and re-establishing TEE groups within Sudan as soon as security conditions permit.
A One-Year Certificate programme, developed by NBIC with support from STC staff, will seek to provide a bridge for future church leaders and theologians. Plans are underway to implement this programme not only at NBIC, but also in the Nuba Mountains and potentially in Port Sudan in due course.
Concurrently, curriculum planning continues for the subsequent BA programme years two through four, ready for implementation once STC can safely resume operations. In the interim, suitable students will be supported to pursue their studies at regional institutions, thus maintaining continuous leadership development.
During the visit the team met with several key stakeholders, including Archbishop Samy Shehata of Alexandria, who emphasized his deep pastoral concerns for the Sudanese refugee communities. His perspective on the importance of diocesan oversight in supporting these communities was particularly important.
A significant and humbling interaction was held via Zoom with Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo, who was seeking shelter from drone attacks near Port Sudan. Despite the harsh realities, he expressed satisfaction with the proposed solutions, reflecting the resilience and faith of the Sudanese church community.
Relay Trust remains deeply humbled to support this critical mission. Its role continues to be serving alongside these dedicated teams, ensuring the resilience and growth of theological education within the Episcopal Church of Sudan, even amidst adversity.
Prayers and support for the Church in Sudan and Egypt are greatly encouraged as collective efforts continue to build strength, instill hope, and equip future leaders for God’s glory.