SOUTH SUDAN: The War and Killings in the Country Must Stop-Bishops
Catholic Bishops
of South Sudan have asked the leaders of South Sudan to everything possible to
stop the war and killings which going in the country. In their message released
on 30th January 2015 in Juba, on which AMECEA Online News has a copy, the Bishops declared that it is evil
for any party to use continuing violence to try to further their political
agenda.
of South Sudan have asked the leaders of South Sudan to everything possible to
stop the war and killings which going in the country. In their message released
on 30th January 2015 in Juba, on which AMECEA Online News has a copy, the Bishops declared that it is evil
for any party to use continuing violence to try to further their political
agenda.
MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTH SUDAN
CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CATHOLIC BISHOPS
“GO DEEPER”
When Jesus finished speaking, he
said to Simon, “Push the boat out further to the deep water, and you and your
partners let down your nets for a catch.” “Master,” Simon answered, “we worked
hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the
nets.” They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets
were about to break. (Luke 5:4-6)
said to Simon, “Push the boat out further to the deep water, and you and your
partners let down your nets for a catch.” “Master,” Simon answered, “we worked
hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the
nets.” They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets
were about to break. (Luke 5:4-6)
Preamble
We, the
Catholic bishops of South Sudan, meeting in Juba from 28th –30th January 2015,
with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Grace Archbishop
Charles Daniel Balvo, and with our collaborators, having reflected on the
disastrous war in our country and concerned about the escalation of the
conflict and the uncertain prospects for peace, re-iterate the solemn
declaration made in our “Message of Hope” of 25th September 2014:
Catholic bishops of South Sudan, meeting in Juba from 28th –30th January 2015,
with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Grace Archbishop
Charles Daniel Balvo, and with our collaborators, having reflected on the
disastrous war in our country and concerned about the escalation of the
conflict and the uncertain prospects for peace, re-iterate the solemn
declaration made in our “Message of Hope” of 25th September 2014:
“The current war in South
Sudan is evil… 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… We declare before God that it is evil for any party to use
continuing violence to try to further their political agenda.”
Sudan is evil… 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… We declare before God that it is evil for any party to use
continuing violence to try to further their political agenda.”
We ask you,
our leaders, to leave the safety and comfort of the shallow water and push the
boat out into the deep water. Doing all the “normal” things – negotiations,
talks, conferences, consultations, diplomacy, statements, hand-shakes in front
of the TV cameras, threats of sanctions and arms embargoes – has “caught
nothing” even though “we worked hard”. Have the courage to go deeper, leave
aside common assumptions, think outside the political box, make unthinkable
concessions, and take risks to bring peace. Let us all, including we bishops,
take up that challenge and put ourselves into the hands of God to catch “a
large number of fish”. Let peace come in abundance.
our leaders, to leave the safety and comfort of the shallow water and push the
boat out into the deep water. Doing all the “normal” things – negotiations,
talks, conferences, consultations, diplomacy, statements, hand-shakes in front
of the TV cameras, threats of sanctions and arms embargoes – has “caught
nothing” even though “we worked hard”. Have the courage to go deeper, leave
aside common assumptions, think outside the political box, make unthinkable
concessions, and take risks to bring peace. Let us all, including we bishops,
take up that challenge and put ourselves into the hands of God to catch “a
large number of fish”. Let peace come in abundance.
The War Must Stop: We Will Finish
Ourselves and Finish the Nation
Ourselves and Finish the Nation
South Sudan
has always been considered a God-fearing nation, whether Christians, Muslims or
followers of traditional religion. But in this senseless and inhuman war the
nation has abandoned the ways of God. This war is evil. As a people we must not
be afraid to name sin for what it is, and we hereby name this war as a sin. It
is sinful for either party now to mount a dry season offensive.
has always been considered a God-fearing nation, whether Christians, Muslims or
followers of traditional religion. But in this senseless and inhuman war the
nation has abandoned the ways of God. This war is evil. As a people we must not
be afraid to name sin for what it is, and we hereby name this war as a sin. It
is sinful for either party now to mount a dry season offensive.
Once again
we say that this war must stop immediately. Some people sit in Addis Ababa
discussing politics while on the ground other people are fighting and dying.
The political negotiations cannot be allowed to continue with “business as
usual” while the killing continues. Only when the killing stops will it be
acceptable to negotiate for posts and positions. Concessions must be made; no
political advantage is worth killing more innocent civilians, nor even killing
soldiers. The Church is like a Mother who mourns the death of any of God’s
children.
we say that this war must stop immediately. Some people sit in Addis Ababa
discussing politics while on the ground other people are fighting and dying.
The political negotiations cannot be allowed to continue with “business as
usual” while the killing continues. Only when the killing stops will it be
acceptable to negotiate for posts and positions. Concessions must be made; no
political advantage is worth killing more innocent civilians, nor even killing
soldiers. The Church is like a Mother who mourns the death of any of God’s
children.
This war is
about power, not about the good of the people. The aspirations of individuals
and factions have led to a cycle of revenge killing. The whole nation,
including the leaders and the fighters, is exhausted with war and is being worn
down by attrition. We say to all who are involved in any way: if you continue
fighting you will finish yourselves and you will finish the nation. The nation
needs to be salvaged from this sin.
about power, not about the good of the people. The aspirations of individuals
and factions have led to a cycle of revenge killing. The whole nation,
including the leaders and the fighters, is exhausted with war and is being worn
down by attrition. We say to all who are involved in any way: if you continue
fighting you will finish yourselves and you will finish the nation. The nation
needs to be salvaged from this sin.
We the
Catholic bishops of South Sudan have continued to make prophetic statements
which have been disregarded by leaders on all sides. We pray that our voice
will be heeded, and we commit ourselves to the follow-up of this message.
Catholic bishops of South Sudan have continued to make prophetic statements
which have been disregarded by leaders on all sides. We pray that our voice
will be heeded, and we commit ourselves to the follow-up of this message.
Leadership
Jesus called them all together to
him and said, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen
have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however,
is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be
the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the
slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to
serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mark 10:42-45)
him and said, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen
have power over them, and the leaders have complete authority. This, however,
is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be
the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the
slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to
serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” (Mark 10:42-45)
A legitimate
government is one which is able to bring peace, development and stability to
its people. Any party that continues to fight the war against the innocent
citizens of South Sudan has no legitimacy; once you are at war amongst
yourselves you have already lost your legitimacy! All the factions of SPLM were
part of the government from 2005 to 2013. We applaud the genuine steps forward
which were made in establishing the new nation, yet we also saw corruption,
nepotism, lack of development, mismanagement of the economy, failure to reform
the army, rising tribalism and many other problems. What are our leaders going
to do differently from their past track record, and how are they going to do it
if they continue fighting? How will the nation move forward if money is spent
on weapons of destruction instead of roads, schools, hospitals and development
activities? How will we establish a civilian democracy if the nation remains so
militarised? We are encouraged by the new agreement signed in Arusha. We want
to believe in our leaders’ good intentions and to take them at their word, but
so far none of the agreements made since January 2014 have been respected. We
hope and pray that all parties will be faithful to the Arusha agreement and
that, unlike earlier agreements, it will be honoured.
government is one which is able to bring peace, development and stability to
its people. Any party that continues to fight the war against the innocent
citizens of South Sudan has no legitimacy; once you are at war amongst
yourselves you have already lost your legitimacy! All the factions of SPLM were
part of the government from 2005 to 2013. We applaud the genuine steps forward
which were made in establishing the new nation, yet we also saw corruption,
nepotism, lack of development, mismanagement of the economy, failure to reform
the army, rising tribalism and many other problems. What are our leaders going
to do differently from their past track record, and how are they going to do it
if they continue fighting? How will the nation move forward if money is spent
on weapons of destruction instead of roads, schools, hospitals and development
activities? How will we establish a civilian democracy if the nation remains so
militarised? We are encouraged by the new agreement signed in Arusha. We want
to believe in our leaders’ good intentions and to take them at their word, but
so far none of the agreements made since January 2014 have been respected. We
hope and pray that all parties will be faithful to the Arusha agreement and
that, unlike earlier agreements, it will be honoured.
Legitimacy
comes from the people. We recognise those who wish to hold an election in June
2015 to ensure that the country retains legitimate and constitutional
governance. However we are also aware of many concerns that have been raised as
to whether a credible election can really be held at such short notice amidst
the current insecurity, and whether obligatory prerequisites such as a Census
and the passing of a Permanent Constitution can be fulfilled before the
election. We urge all parties to cooperate to create a consensus so that
legitimate governance of the country continues in a transitional manner until
such time as a new political dispensation is agreed by all parties. We would
add that the future of the country must not be left in the hands of a single
political party; all parties, all communities and all citizens should play a
part in deciding their future and have a role in implementing it. “If one of
you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest.”
comes from the people. We recognise those who wish to hold an election in June
2015 to ensure that the country retains legitimate and constitutional
governance. However we are also aware of many concerns that have been raised as
to whether a credible election can really be held at such short notice amidst
the current insecurity, and whether obligatory prerequisites such as a Census
and the passing of a Permanent Constitution can be fulfilled before the
election. We urge all parties to cooperate to create a consensus so that
legitimate governance of the country continues in a transitional manner until
such time as a new political dispensation is agreed by all parties. We would
add that the future of the country must not be left in the hands of a single
political party; all parties, all communities and all citizens should play a
part in deciding their future and have a role in implementing it. “If one of
you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest.”
Other Factors
While the
main factors in the war are the dynamics of political power and revenge, there
are a number of other contributory factors which cause us concern.
main factors in the war are the dynamics of political power and revenge, there
are a number of other contributory factors which cause us concern.
We wish to
highlight land issues, which are becoming extremely dangerous. Disputes over
land ownership, customary land rights, public land, grazing rights,
land-grabbing, land use, conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, evictions,
and demarcation of boundaries are escalating and becoming increasingly violent.
A credible Land Commission and Land Act must ensure that coherent land policies
and laws are made and implemented. Permanent mechanisms must be set up to deal
with all these issues fairly.
highlight land issues, which are becoming extremely dangerous. Disputes over
land ownership, customary land rights, public land, grazing rights,
land-grabbing, land use, conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, evictions,
and demarcation of boundaries are escalating and becoming increasingly violent.
A credible Land Commission and Land Act must ensure that coherent land policies
and laws are made and implemented. Permanent mechanisms must be set up to deal
with all these issues fairly.
Another
alarming factor is the armament of the civilian population. Many communities
are well-armed with sophisticated and heavy weapons, causing havoc amongst
themselves and their neighbouring communities. This will continue to be a
threat to security in South Sudan, even after a peace agreement is reached.
alarming factor is the armament of the civilian population. Many communities
are well-armed with sophisticated and heavy weapons, causing havoc amongst
themselves and their neighbouring communities. This will continue to be a
threat to security in South Sudan, even after a peace agreement is reached.
We are also
conscious that there may be commanders and communities fighting for their own
agendas, even though they might be aligned with one faction or another. We
appeal to them to stop fighting immediately, and we believe that they must be
drawn into negotiations.
conscious that there may be commanders and communities fighting for their own
agendas, even though they might be aligned with one faction or another. We
appeal to them to stop fighting immediately, and we believe that they must be
drawn into negotiations.
South Sudan Council of Churches
As a founder
member of the councils of churches in Sudan and South Sudan, we wish to express
our support for the reforms now taking place within the South Sudan Council of
Churches. We look forward to continuing to play a central role in the SSCC, and
we encourage SSCC to take a leading role in peace and reconciliation. Together
let us once again make South Sudan a God-fearing nation.
member of the councils of churches in Sudan and South Sudan, we wish to express
our support for the reforms now taking place within the South Sudan Council of
Churches. We look forward to continuing to play a central role in the SSCC, and
we encourage SSCC to take a leading role in peace and reconciliation. Together
let us once again make South Sudan a God-fearing nation.
Lenten Call
As we
approach the season of Lent, we reflect on the message of Pope Francis. God is
not indifferent to us, but often we are indifferent to others: “we are
unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they
endure… Our heart grows cold… It is a problem which we, as Christians, need
to confront… Lent is a favourable time for letting Christ serve us so that we
in turn may become more like him.” Let us no longer be indifferent to the
suffering and death within our own country. Through prayer and fasting let us
grow closer to Christ, and let us all serve our sisters and brothers throughout
the nation by our actions for peace and reconciliation.
approach the season of Lent, we reflect on the message of Pope Francis. God is
not indifferent to us, but often we are indifferent to others: “we are
unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they
endure… Our heart grows cold… It is a problem which we, as Christians, need
to confront… Lent is a favourable time for letting Christ serve us so that we
in turn may become more like him.” Let us no longer be indifferent to the
suffering and death within our own country. Through prayer and fasting let us
grow closer to Christ, and let us all serve our sisters and brothers throughout
the nation by our actions for peace and reconciliation.
Blessing
All citizens
from any party, faction or community are our sons and daughters. God’s love and
mercy extend to both the sinner and the saint. We care for all of God’s children.
We call upon everybody to stop the fighting and killing immediately, and to
work together to build a consensus for the long term success of our beloved
nation. We offer our prayers and our blessing for all the people of South
Sudan, and for all those who care about them and help them.
from any party, faction or community are our sons and daughters. God’s love and
mercy extend to both the sinner and the saint. We care for all of God’s children.
We call upon everybody to stop the fighting and killing immediately, and to
work together to build a consensus for the long term success of our beloved
nation. We offer our prayers and our blessing for all the people of South
Sudan, and for all those who care about them and help them.
Given on
30th January 2015 in Juba, South Sudan.
30th January 2015 in Juba, South Sudan.
Signed by:
1.
His Grace Paolino Lukudu Loro
His Grace Paolino Lukudu Loro
Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba
2.
His Lordship erkolano Lodu Tombe
His Lordship erkolano Lodu Tombe
Bishop of Yei and Vice President
of SCBC
of SCBC
3.
His Lordship Rudolf Deng Majak
His Lordship Rudolf Deng Majak
Bishop of Wau
4.
Msgr Roko Taban Mousa
Msgr Roko Taban Mousa
Apostolic Administrator of
Malakal
Malakal
5.
Msgr Thomas Oliha Attiyah
Msgr Thomas Oliha Attiyah
Apostolic Administrator of Torit
6.
His Lordship Vincent Mojwok
Nyiker
His Lordship Vincent Mojwok
Nyiker
Bishop Emeritus of Malakal
7.
Rev Fr John
Mathiang Machol
Rev Fr John
Mathiang Machol
Coordinator of Rumbek
Witnessed
by: His Grace Charles Daniel Balvo,
by: His Grace Charles Daniel Balvo,
Apostolic
Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan
Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan
