The Church's Integral Mission as an Enabler to Community Development: A Case Study of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan

Purpose: This study seeks to examine the role of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) in the process of community development within the Wau Diocese with a particular regard to the ways in which the church fills the void left by the government in the provision of education, health and social services. Methodology: This study was a mixed-method research study, conducted amongst 435 participants of churches and church leaders using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The research shows that ECSS positively impacts community development by enhancing education and healthcare and advocating for human rights and non-violence. Its main challenges include financial limitations, political interferences, and cultural factors that hamper its work. It also finds that faith-based organisations should involve themselves with government and non-governmental organizations, undertake more outreach, and address structural challenges to service delivery through training and development efforts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The implications of the study suggest that faith-based organizations like the ECSS can serve as pivotal actors in supplementing state functions in fragile settings, especially when empowered through partnerships, policy support, and community engagement. Therefore, the study concludes that sustainable development requires enhanced resource mobilization, stronger collaborations, and systemic reforms.