SOUTH SUDAN: “God Will Hold Us Accountable” Church Leaders Warn Citizens as Hostilities Escalate
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Religious leaders of South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) have warned against the ongoing intercommunal violence which has led to loss of properties and lives, reminding the people that they will be held accountable before God.
“We the Church in South Sudan are deeply saddened by the escalation of violence in nearly all the States of our country. We strongly deplore the increase in loss of lives and destruction of properties of populations already impoverished by conflicts in the country,” reads in part the SSCC statement dated Wednesday, June 17.
“God is watching us and will hold us accountable for disrespecting and disregarding the sanctity of life,” the Church leaders caution in their statement signed by seven members of the council including the Catholic Archbishop of Juba Archdiocese, Most Rev. Stephen Ameyu Martin.
The ecumenical body whose core intent is “peace building, reconciliation, healing and building on the instrumental role of the Churches” has called upon the government to find ways of stopping the ongoing clashes in various parts of the country and for people to embrace peace.
“We strongly denounce the recent and on-going violence in Greater Jonglei, Ruweng, Warrap, Greater Yei, Lakes and other places in the Republic of South Sudan including Gumba Sherikhat,” the Church leaders stated.
“We call upon the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) and all the Opposition groups to bring this multiple devastating violence to an end with immediate effect,” the appeal.
“We equally call upon our people to embrace peace and harmonious co-existence because we are all bound by the destiny and love for one another in this our beloved land,” the Council leaders appealed.
Addressing political leaders to be faithful in honoring their agreements, the Council says, “We call upon all our political leaders in R-TGONU and Opposition to be true to the Agreements and Declarations they have signed and ensure their full and timely implementations.”
Besides, “We appeal in the name of God to all our political leaders to value the people over and above position, power and party interests,” SSCC states adding “We call for immediate cessation of hostilities and formation of State and County Governments.
Leaders have encouraged citizens to be remorseful for their acts and ask God for forgiveness saying, “We equally call upon the people of South Sudan in all their diversities to repent of their sins, forgive one another and reconcile with God.”
“We assure our people that the Church will remain true to its divine calling and ministry of reconciliation and we will continue to pray and work for our country, because we believe there is still hope for us and South Sudan will overcome. Let’s not give up,” the Church leaders concluded.
