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| Most Rev. Paulino Lukudu, Archbishop of Juba |
During their meeting, the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan reaffirmed the urgent need for South Sudan to end the war as a precondition for a lasting peace.
The Bishops met between 3rdand 6th August in Juba to discuss the progress of the Church institutions and the situation in the country.
In his welcoming remark, Fr. Charles Abbud, South Sudan Catholic Bishops Secretary General, reminded all participants that God will bring peace to the young nation. He said that the Bishops’ meeting was an opportunity for the Catholic Church to recommit itself to implement the South Sudan Council of Churches Peace Process.
He reminded all Bishops to dedicate their resources and wisdom to bring peace to the country.
Opening the meeting, Archbishop of Juba Paolino Lukudu Loro, stressed that all South Sudanese are longing for peace and are waiting to see the outcome of the IGAD peace deal proposal. He said that war must stop; and if no peace deal is signed there is no hope for ending all killings and displacement.
Archbishop Lukudu reaffirmed the stance for peace of the South Sudan Council of Churches, which, on July 31st, issued a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The message stresses the importance of ending violence and welcomes the IGAD proposed compromise agreement point of implementing a ceasefire within 72 hours from signing.
The different church denominations in the country acknowledge that the agreement is not perfect and there should be room for improvement, but stop fighting is the necessary condition for any further sittings and discussions. Only when violence is over, the people of South Sudan can share their views and reach consensus.
Source: Enrica Valentini, Director CRN