On July 9, 2011, the world welcomed it’s newest nation, the Republic of South Sudan.

The independence of this mainly Christian country was celebrated all over the world.

In Sydney, St Mark’s Anglican Church, Oakhurst, marked this momentous occasion by inviting the south Sudanese Christian community to a celebration held at Richard Johnson Anglican College.

Samuel John, one of the ministers at Oakhurst, looks after the churches Sudanese congregation.

“This was an historic event in the life of our country,” he said. “We wanted to thank God for what he has done for our people and our country.”

More than 700 people from around Sydney joined in the celebration on July 10. The festivities included traditional dancing, a number of speeches and a feast.

Mr John explains that this occasion was overwhelming for many of the crowd, who have been waiting for independence for a long time.

“They were all so happy,” he said. “Some people were crying. It was a very important time.”

However the news is not all good for the people of South Sudan. The border between the north and the south is in dispute, and many communities in the border region have been attacked by troops from the north.

“Of course we are worried about the situation, many people have been displaced,” Mr John said. “They might face some challenges but through God’s power and their unity they will overcome them.”

On July 17, St Alban’s Anglican Church, Belmore also held a celebration to mark South Sudan’s independence.