SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops of South Sudan Condemn the Ongoing Conflict and Call for an Immediate End.
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| Most Rev. Paolino Lukudu Loro, The Archbishop of Juba |
The Catholic
Bishops of South Sudan have condemned the war that continue to ravage the young
nation and called an end to it.
Bishops of South Sudan have condemned the war that continue to ravage the young
nation and called an end to it.
In a
statement issues at the end of their three day meeting in Juba which was also
attended by the Apostolic Nuncio for Kenya and South Sudan Most Rev. Charles
Daniel Balvo, the bishops said that the ongoing war in South Sudan is evil, and
that there is no moral justification for any further killing.
statement issues at the end of their three day meeting in Juba which was also
attended by the Apostolic Nuncio for Kenya and South Sudan Most Rev. Charles
Daniel Balvo, the bishops said that the ongoing war in South Sudan is evil, and
that there is no moral justification for any further killing.
The
statement said in part that “The fighting and killing must stop immediately and
unconditionally. Political and other grievances must indeed be addressed, but
only when the fighting has stopped.”
statement said in part that “The fighting and killing must stop immediately and
unconditionally. Political and other grievances must indeed be addressed, but
only when the fighting has stopped.”
“The war has
had a huge negative impact on our country. It has once again reinforced the
culture of violence with which we have lived for so many decades. It has
seriously undermined our standing in the world which so recently welcomed us as
the world’s newest nation and it has damaged our image. Human rights are still
under threat, including freedom of speech,” the statement said.
had a huge negative impact on our country. It has once again reinforced the
culture of violence with which we have lived for so many decades. It has
seriously undermined our standing in the world which so recently welcomed us as
the world’s newest nation and it has damaged our image. Human rights are still
under threat, including freedom of speech,” the statement said.
According to
the statement, the Bishop also a appreciate the sacrifice of the clergy,
religious, catechists and lay people who are facing great danger and hardship
in the service of the people during these difficult times.
the statement, the Bishop also a appreciate the sacrifice of the clergy,
religious, catechists and lay people who are facing great danger and hardship
in the service of the people during these difficult times.
South Sudan
Catholic Bishops have been meeting in Juba from 23rd to 25th
September to discuss the situation of the Church in the country and the
development of its pastoral and social work and institutions.
Catholic Bishops have been meeting in Juba from 23rd to 25th
September to discuss the situation of the Church in the country and the
development of its pastoral and social work and institutions.
Meanwhile
the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo
expressed commitment of the Church members to work for hope.
the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo
expressed commitment of the Church members to work for hope.
He affirmed
that the Church in South Sudan, especially the Dioceses of Malakal and Rumbek
have to be guarded to restore faith and love.
that the Church in South Sudan, especially the Dioceses of Malakal and Rumbek
have to be guarded to restore faith and love.
Source: AMECEA Social
Communication and CRN
Communication and CRN
Below is the
full statement of the Bishops of South Sudan
full statement of the Bishops of South Sudan
MESSAGE
OF HOPE FROM THE SOUTH SUDAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS
OF HOPE FROM THE SOUTH SUDAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS
JUBA,
25TH SEPTEMBER 2014
25TH SEPTEMBER 2014
“War is evil; War cannot bring
Peace; this War must Stop”
Peace; this War must Stop”
Then the
Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I
my brother’s keeper? ’And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen; your
brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! (Genesis 4:9-10)
Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I
my brother’s keeper? ’And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen; your
brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! (Genesis 4:9-10)
Preamble
We, the
Catholic bishops of South Sudan meeting in Juba from 23rd –25th September 2014,
compelled by the Gospel imperative and having deliberated on the situation of
the Church and the people in our country, solemnly declare that the current war
in South Sudan is evil, as we have said in previous messages. There is no moral
justification for any further killing. We can accept neither excuses nor
conditions from any party or individual for the continuation of the war. The
fighting and killing must stop immediately and unconditionally. Political and
other grievances must indeed be addressed, but only when the fighting has stopped.
These issues are on the table in Ethiopia and will be addressed in the
political process. We declare before God that it is evil for any party to use
continuing violence to try to further their political agenda.
Catholic bishops of South Sudan meeting in Juba from 23rd –25th September 2014,
compelled by the Gospel imperative and having deliberated on the situation of
the Church and the people in our country, solemnly declare that the current war
in South Sudan is evil, as we have said in previous messages. There is no moral
justification for any further killing. We can accept neither excuses nor
conditions from any party or individual for the continuation of the war. The
fighting and killing must stop immediately and unconditionally. Political and
other grievances must indeed be addressed, but only when the fighting has stopped.
These issues are on the table in Ethiopia and will be addressed in the
political process. We declare before God that it is evil for any party to use
continuing violence to try to further their political agenda.
Appreciation
We
appreciate the sacrifice of the clergy, religious, catechists and lay people
who are facing great danger and hardship in the service of the people during
these difficult times. We thank IGAD for their noble efforts to mediate peace
in South Sudan. We also thank the international community and other nations in
our own region and encourage them to continue their support.
appreciate the sacrifice of the clergy, religious, catechists and lay people
who are facing great danger and hardship in the service of the people during
these difficult times. We thank IGAD for their noble efforts to mediate peace
in South Sudan. We also thank the international community and other nations in
our own region and encourage them to continue their support.
The Impact of War
The war has
had a huge negative impact on our country. It has once again reinforced the
culture of violence with which we have lived for so many decades. It has
seriously undermined our standing in the world which so recently welcomed us as
the world’s newest nation and it has damaged our image. Human rights are still
under threat, including freedom of speech.
had a huge negative impact on our country. It has once again reinforced the
culture of violence with which we have lived for so many decades. It has
seriously undermined our standing in the world which so recently welcomed us as
the world’s newest nation and it has damaged our image. Human rights are still
under threat, including freedom of speech.
Humanitarian Aid and Development
Above all it
has created a humanitarian tragedy. Thousands have been killed and hundreds of
thousands displaced. Our traumatized population has been re-traumatized by
atrocities we have rarely seen before. Displaced people are living in appalling
conditions, whether in the countryside, or in UN camps in the cities, or as
refugees in neighbouring countries. A famine is looming in parts of the
country. International humanitarian access is limited due to insecurity. Once
again we declare this war immoral and we demand an immediate end to all
hostilities so that these humanitarian concerns can be addressed.
has created a humanitarian tragedy. Thousands have been killed and hundreds of
thousands displaced. Our traumatized population has been re-traumatized by
atrocities we have rarely seen before. Displaced people are living in appalling
conditions, whether in the countryside, or in UN camps in the cities, or as
refugees in neighbouring countries. A famine is looming in parts of the
country. International humanitarian access is limited due to insecurity. Once
again we declare this war immoral and we demand an immediate end to all
hostilities so that these humanitarian concerns can be addressed.
Development
has been brought to a halt. Freezing funds meant for development is an
invitation to more insecurity and suffering. It can be said that peace is another
word for development. While seven out of ten states are not directly affected
by the violence, their people are still suffering and are still in need of
development activities. Prevention is better than cure. We call on the
international community to continue to support development. We as bishops see
coming to the aid of our people, both in government and opposition areas, as
our prime responsibility.
has been brought to a halt. Freezing funds meant for development is an
invitation to more insecurity and suffering. It can be said that peace is another
word for development. While seven out of ten states are not directly affected
by the violence, their people are still suffering and are still in need of
development activities. Prevention is better than cure. We call on the
international community to continue to support development. We as bishops see
coming to the aid of our people, both in government and opposition areas, as
our prime responsibility.
Tribalism
Aware of the
negative impact of war, we call attention to the rise in tribalism as a result
of the conflict. Traditionally, the peoples of South Sudan do not hate each
other. While there have been tribal conflicts over issues such as cattle and
land, there have also been traditional mechanisms to resolve those conflicts
before they get out of control. Our peoples have inter-married, assisted each
other during famines, moved freely around the country, studied together in
national boarding schools, lived together in cities, shared their cultural
heritage and worked together in many different spheres. We acknowledge the
generosity of many who even during the current conflict have welcomed and
protected people from other ethnic groups.
negative impact of war, we call attention to the rise in tribalism as a result
of the conflict. Traditionally, the peoples of South Sudan do not hate each
other. While there have been tribal conflicts over issues such as cattle and
land, there have also been traditional mechanisms to resolve those conflicts
before they get out of control. Our peoples have inter-married, assisted each
other during famines, moved freely around the country, studied together in
national boarding schools, lived together in cities, shared their cultural
heritage and worked together in many different spheres. We acknowledge the
generosity of many who even during the current conflict have welcomed and
protected people from other ethnic groups.
However
ethnicity has now become a negative issue throughout our society. Large-scale
ethnic killing has created a cycle of fear, hatred and revenge. Our politics is
becoming ethnic, with perceptions from various communities that one tribe or
other is favoured, or that one tribe or another is under-represented, or even
that one tribe or another “deserves” to rule. Even within our churches,
elements of tribalism are creeping in and creating suspicion, hindering our
efforts to work for peace and reconciliation. This is not the way forward. We
condemn tribalism and repeat our earlier call for “One People from every Tribe,
Tongue and Nationality”. We are South Sudanese, and we call for the creation of
a national identity which builds on but transcends our tribal roots and
heritage.
ethnicity has now become a negative issue throughout our society. Large-scale
ethnic killing has created a cycle of fear, hatred and revenge. Our politics is
becoming ethnic, with perceptions from various communities that one tribe or
other is favoured, or that one tribe or another is under-represented, or even
that one tribe or another “deserves” to rule. Even within our churches,
elements of tribalism are creeping in and creating suspicion, hindering our
efforts to work for peace and reconciliation. This is not the way forward. We
condemn tribalism and repeat our earlier call for “One People from every Tribe,
Tongue and Nationality”. We are South Sudanese, and we call for the creation of
a national identity which builds on but transcends our tribal roots and
heritage.
Corruption
Tribalism is
allied with corruption and nepotism. Political office is perceived by many as
synonymous with access to power and wealth, and communities often feel that
they need their own tribesmen and women in power in order for that community to
have access to resources. We condemn corruption and tribalism. We challenge all
our political leaders, whether in government or opposition, and remind them
that political leadership is about service to all the citizens of South Sudan,
not about personal power and wealth nor favouring one community or other. We
urge our people not to fall into the trap of supporting their own tribe rather
than seeking the best qualified person for the position.
allied with corruption and nepotism. Political office is perceived by many as
synonymous with access to power and wealth, and communities often feel that
they need their own tribesmen and women in power in order for that community to
have access to resources. We condemn corruption and tribalism. We challenge all
our political leaders, whether in government or opposition, and remind them
that political leadership is about service to all the citizens of South Sudan,
not about personal power and wealth nor favouring one community or other. We
urge our people not to fall into the trap of supporting their own tribe rather
than seeking the best qualified person for the position.
Our Call for Peace
We are
pastors, not politicians, but our faithful are dying. We do not try to advice
on the details of the political resolution of the problems of our country.
Nevertheless, we urge the parties to negotiate in good faith; we demand that
the killing must stop. No doubt both sides will be required to compromise.
pastors, not politicians, but our faithful are dying. We do not try to advice
on the details of the political resolution of the problems of our country.
Nevertheless, we urge the parties to negotiate in good faith; we demand that
the killing must stop. No doubt both sides will be required to compromise.
Just as we
put our trust in the people during the People to People Peace Process, just as
we trusted the people when we advocated for them to have the Right of
Self-Determination to choose for themselves the political future of their
country in a referendum in 2011, we now believe that the people of our country
are capable of determining the political future following the current conflict.
In the longer-term process, the citizens of South Sudan must play a prominent
role, represented by their traditional leaders, their faith communities, civil
society and other actors.
put our trust in the people during the People to People Peace Process, just as
we trusted the people when we advocated for them to have the Right of
Self-Determination to choose for themselves the political future of their
country in a referendum in 2011, we now believe that the people of our country
are capable of determining the political future following the current conflict.
In the longer-term process, the citizens of South Sudan must play a prominent
role, represented by their traditional leaders, their faith communities, civil
society and other actors.
In our
Prophetic role as bishops, we state without hesitation or fear that the current
conflict is evil and must be stopped immediately and unconditionally,
regardless of any other considerations. We call on every political leader,
every military officer, every individual soldier, every armed civilian, whether
government or opposition, to avoid any further killing. It is immoral and evil.
The question to ask ourselves is: do I have the sincere will to renounce
violence, to compromise and to bring peace?
Prophetic role as bishops, we state without hesitation or fear that the current
conflict is evil and must be stopped immediately and unconditionally,
regardless of any other considerations. We call on every political leader,
every military officer, every individual soldier, every armed civilian, whether
government or opposition, to avoid any further killing. It is immoral and evil.
The question to ask ourselves is: do I have the sincere will to renounce
violence, to compromise and to bring peace?
The Church
is the Mother of all people from every ethnic group in the whole of South
Sudan. We call upon all the people to embark on the path of reconciliation,
healing and peace. We encourage our priests, religious and pastoral agents, our
international partners, and the other churches and faith communities, to
intensify their activities around these, to become more active peace-makers.
Prayer is the only sure way to peace. Our dioceses and parishes must organise
prayers for peace.
is the Mother of all people from every ethnic group in the whole of South
Sudan. We call upon all the people to embark on the path of reconciliation,
healing and peace. We encourage our priests, religious and pastoral agents, our
international partners, and the other churches and faith communities, to
intensify their activities around these, to become more active peace-makers.
Prayer is the only sure way to peace. Our dioceses and parishes must organise
prayers for peace.
Repent and do not sin anymore!
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into
pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4)
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into
pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4)
END
