SOUTH SUDAN: “Only Those Who Really Forgive Can Work for Peace,” Bishop Carlassare Ahead of Pope’s Visit to South Sudan
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As the youngest nation in the world count days to Pope Francis’ ecumenical visit slated for 3rd to 5th February, Bishop Christian Carlassare of Rumbek Catholic Diocese has reminded the citizens that it is through forgiveness that people can work towards peace.
In a statement signed by the Local Ordinary of Rumbek, Bishop Christian Carlassare says there can be no progress in a country when there is no forgiveness but hatred.
“The social fabric of our country will not be rebuilt by those who foment hatred and resentment, but by the people who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of marginalization and division, and act instead by lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good,” reads in part the statement by signed by Bishop Carlassare Saturday, January 14.
He continued, “This is a very serious work and it demands our personal self-giving in order to forgive others, to make a change and contribute towards a community of peace. No one is really open to constructive dialogue unless they are open to that unconditional disarmament of the heart which is called forgiveness; and only those who really forgive can actually work for peace.”
The upcoming ecumenical peace pilgrimage by the Holy Father, Most Rev. Dr. Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury and Rt. Rev. Dr. lain Greenshields Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, is a fulfilment of the postponed trip that was to be in the month of July 2022.
Narrating the state of the country South Sudan as ecumenical visit is anticipated to fuel reconciliation process, the Prelate who was ordained the Bishop of Rumbek Diocese last year revealed that, from independence the country, “plunged into an internal conflict over power and control of resources.”
“The conflict hit the country very badly, leaving open scars: the proliferation of firearms and violence, loss of human lives, many IDPs and refugees, hatred and division, as well as poverty and trauma,” he said.
Referencing Pope Francis’ message in relation to conflict the Bishop quoted, “There is nothing good in a conflict, from war a country will always come out defeated.”
In this regard Bishop Carlassare said, “Even though conflict has harmed us so much, our vision for South Sudan still stands because we look forward to building a united country where justice, liberty, and prosperity will be assured to all people, no matter their social status or ethnic belonging.”
He continued, “Peace building is a steep and long path. We all have to commit ourselves to walk that road from people at the top of our civil institutions to the people at the grassroots of our local communities.”
According to Bishop Carlassare, the visit of the Pontiff together with the other world Church leaders is a sign of encouragement to the peace and reconciliation process.
“Church leaders are called to renew their commitment to evangelization which, particularly in South Sudan, takes the new name of reconciliation. As a matter of fact, the Gospel message invites us to recognize a brother and a sister in every person, especially the poorest and weakest, and value his or her life and dignity,” he said.
In his Saturday statement, Bishop Carlassare appealed to young people to not allow themselves be manipulated by words of hatred and division and also not to be put down by frustration and disbelief but instead to “rise up and walk together towards the goal of a reconciled and united country.”
The Diocese has a novena prayer to accompany Christians in the immediate preparation to the Holy Father’s arrival which the Italian Prelate emphasizes its importance saying, “Prayer is light for our path. And may the Holy Father, as he comes, find us united and walking together.”
