Blacktown's Sudanese Anglican pastor, the Rev Bernard Suwa, is heading home after being appointed Executive Director of Across - the key interdenominational Christian mission organization in Sudan.

The appointment is extremely strategic.

Since the 2005 peace treaty which has given Southern Sudanese autonomy and the hope of succession at a referendum in 2011, the opportunities for Christian ministry have blossomed.

Across is effectively the umbrella organization for all mission work across the autonomous region of Southern Sudan.

Ordained as an Anglican minister in Sudan, Mr Suwa was forced to flee from the nation's long running civil war.

He received training at Sydney's Moore College after arriving as a refugee seven years ago, and says the board of Across sees his appointment as a way of "gaining from Sydney's evangelical heritage'.

Mr Suwa says his vision is to see his war ravaged country ‘renewed not only from a human point of view but through the gospel’.

Across was founded in 1972 by four evangelical mission societies (AIM, SUM, SIM and MAF).

Today it operates in partnership with Sudan's evangelical churches, including the Anglican and Presbyterian churches.

The Sudanese operations of most well known mission agencies - CMS, Tear, Pioneers, Action Partners " are partnerships with Across.

The primary emphasis of Across is developing the capacity of Sudanese nationals in such areas as theology, ministry, literacy, teacher training, health and media which includes printing and scripture distribution.

Mr Suwa hopes that there may be opportunities to introduce Moore College’s Preliminary Theological Certificate (PTC) into Sudan through Across.

He also says the organisation needs to gain additional financial expertise. He plans to use his links in Sydney to recruit an appropriately qualified person.

"This could probably be a retired finance person," says Mr Suwa, explaining that it could even be a short-term assignment. "As finance director, one does not need cross cultural expertise."

The Rev Michael Robinson, rector of Christ Church Blacktown, says, “We will be sorry to see Bernard go, but it is wonderful appointment and we are delighted for him”.

Mr Robinson reaffirmed his parish’s commitment to continuing Mr Suwa’s ‘crucial’ work with the Sudanese community at Blacktown.