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Archbishop Justin Bandi Arama, primate of South Sudan, said the church was saddened by the death of the 86-year-old bishop, who became the first South Sudanese bishop of Bor, upon his consecration in 1984.
“He served the people with humility, courage, and a pastoral heart,” said Arama, in a recorded announcement. “He gave hope and spiritual guidance to the people of South Sudan throughout the liberation struggle.”
Born in 1940 in Bor County, Jonglei State, Garang pursued early education in local schools in the county. In the midst of war, he pursued theological education in Kenya, earning a diploma from Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College in 1974. He was ordained a pastor the following year.
He was consecrated the bishop of Bor in 1984, but he barely settled in office when constant attacks forced him to flee the city, the seat of the diocese. Settling in the villages with his congregation, Garang lived and ministered in isolation for several years until 1990, when he established contact with the outside world. In the 1988 Lambeth Conference, Garang was described as “The Lost Bishop.”
During the liberation struggle, the bishop travelled across the country preaching the gospel to civilians and rebel fighters. The journeys took him to refugee camps, where he inspired hope among refugees and displaced persons as he also emphasized peace and reconciliation. In 2011, he retired as the Bishop of Bor.
Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, mourned Garang as a father of faith for many Sudanese church leaders.
“As we grieve, we celebrate a life devoted to God’s service,” said Nyang, adding that the whole church in South Sudan felt the loss. “Bishop Nathaniel was a devoted servant of God, a compassionate pastor, and a tireless advocate for peace and reconciliation. Even in retirement, he guided and encouraged many.”
South Sudanese president Salva Kiir Mayardit also mourned Garang as a bishop who will be remembered for vigorous evangelism and for his loud voice in defense of Christians' rights when religious persecution was a state policy of Sudan.
“He evangelized with vigour and stood up for the marginalized people whom he continuously gave a voice to throughout his career as God’s servant,” said Mayardit.
