SOUTH SUDAN: “Catholic Church will follow Bishop-elect case intimately”, Says Apostolic Nuncio

Ginaba Lino

The Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan and Kenya stated that the Catholic Church will closely follow the court hearing of the Bishop-elect in Rumbek Diocese, Monsignor Christian Carlassare.

Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen after the court hearing explained that they are monitoring the case strongly for justice to prevail.

“We have put trust in the judiciary system of South Sudan. Of course, the Catholic will follow closely. However once again, it’s all in the hands of the State of South Sudan “the Apostolic Nuncio disclosed.”

Archbishop van Megen explained that the Church is ready to reconcile with anyone involved in the crime.

“This is in the hands of the State. Now, the State are prosecuting some of the accused whom we think are suspects. Nothing has been proven until now, we are as church are alert and committed to reconciliation while the State is looking for justice. We as Church go for the way of reconciliation and forgiveness but these are like two different fields on which the game is played.”

On Monday 7 February, the high court in Juba pushed the court hearing of the shooting of Bishop-elect Christian Carlassare to Tuesday, citing a lack of a projector to display the video clip.

The suspension came after statements of the accused were read.

Meanwhile the South Sudan High Court calls for witnesses to prove the evidence on the case as hearings proceed.

On Tuesday, the court resumed when a video clip of Monsignor Carlassare was played to the court attendance and the defense lawyer of the six accused to prove.

The Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, was among the attendants of the Tuesday court hearing.