By James Innocent
On Sunday, Episcopal Diocese of Yei, ordained at St. Barnabas as a new parish priest in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The ceremony was led by Episcopal Diocese of Yei Bishop, Levi Marandulu Yopete, along with Emeritus Bishop Hillary Adeba and several pastors.
The event was graced by the presence of Emmanuel Taban Seme, the Commissioner of Yei River County, and other local government officials.
In his address, Commissioner Seme urged the congregation to support the new priest and to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their families. He also emphasized the importance of protecting children from negative influences.
To demonstrate the county government’s commitment to the church, Commissioner Seme pledged a substantial sum of 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds towards the development of church infrastructure.
The newly ordained priest, Kiden Emmanuel, expressed gratitude to the congregation and government officials for their support.
She called on the Episcopal Church of South Sudan to prioritize education and infrastructure development.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by the church, including limited mobility and land constraints.
Kiden pledged to work closely with local stakeholders to promote peace and reconciliation within the community.
She urged fellow Christians to actively participate in church activities, such as supporting church construction and school rehabilitation.
Traditional leaders also attended the ordination ceremony. Paramount Chief Joseph Brown Lomose encouraged women to prioritize their spiritual lives and avoid harmful practices like witchcraft.
The head chief of Yei Town Payam emphasized the importance of leadership by example, urging the new priest to inspire others.
The ordination ceremony was a significant event for the Christian community in Yei River County. It marked a new chapter in the church’s history and renewed hope for the future.