SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudanese Bishops Urge Government “to Reverse” Ban on Communal Worship

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Days after government of South Sudan announced a month-long lockdown aimed to curb the spread of Coronavirus following the surge of Covid-19 cases in the country, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio Diocese has asked the authorities to reverse its directives especially on the ban of religious services.

“During this recent lockdown, I ask the government to reverse its decision to ban communal worship,” Bishop Hiiboro appealed in a statement dated Saturday, February 6, adding, “there seems to be no evidence it would help combat the virus.”

Instead, Bishop Hiiboro suggests that the “Clergy who have concerns, and others who are shielding should take particular care and stay at home.”

The government’s announcement made by the chairperson of the National Taskforce on Covid-19 states precautionary measures for all public and private sectors and has banned all social gatherings such as sporting events and religious events including Sunday Church prayers, Salat ul Juma mosque prayers, funerals, weddings and political rallies.

In his message shared with AMECEA Online, Bishop Hiiboro who is Chairperson of Interfaith Council for Peace Initiative in Western Equatorial State, expressed concern over the words in the guidelines “which sound as a way to obstruct or curtail prayer services which is an essential source of energy for the common good.”

“The presidency’s words this time round made on February, 3^rd2021, underline the severity of the situation for the country as the virus continues to spread rapidly. At a time like this, the Church is here to offer comfort and spiritual support to everyone. We have a duty to care for each other, but particularly those who are vulnerable or who may most be at risk,” the Prelate highlights.

He adds, “Honestly, benefits of public worship are huge, especially as most of the faithful have poor or no access to technology.”

In his observation, the South Sudanese prelate states that throughout the difficult history of South Sudan, “religion has been an oasis of comfort and strength and hope of the people.”

In regard to this he stresses in his message that “the unilateral closure of the Churches, Mosque and places of worship therefore disempowers and harms the souls of the people in this country.”

“In a crisis as this, we would like to urge the government authority to consult with the Churches and faith-based communities on how best to collectively join our hands and combat the problem with all our energies and resources,” the Bishop suggests.

Following the government’s new Covid-19 restrictions, Bishop Hiiboro has urged all Christian communities to abide by the issued regulations during worship including keeping liturgy celebrations short, avoiding handshake, wearing of facemasks during all liturgical celebrations and observance of social distance among others.

The Bishop has called on congregants from all religions, the State and the entire nation to pray during this stressful time for frontliners in public services, those working in social care, schools, for parents and carers of children.

Above all he said, “I urge you to preserve in prayer for God’s intervention to protect us and rid the world of this pandemic. We are people who owe our existence and wellbeing to God. He has been with us in the past and is journeying with us in the present, and we can thereby be confident of the future.”

In conclusion, Bishop Hiiboro noted that in preparation for the forth coming Lenten Season, even in the midst of darkest fears, “there is hope that brings light.”