By Yiep Joseph
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has called on South Sudanese leaders to renew their commitment to peace through sincere dialogue to resolve any misunderstandings.
In their Easter Pastoral message of hope, extended to the media, the Council and leaders from various churches urged the nation’s leaders to reaffirm their dedication to peace and unity.
“Let this Easter be a time to renew our commitment to peace, forgiveness, and unity,” the statement partly read.
“We urge all leaders and citizens to embrace dialogue, reject tribalism, and work together towards a just, peaceful, and prosperous future for all,” it continued.
This call comes at a time when the 2018 peace agreement continues to face challenges, including armed confrontations between some parties, as well as the arrest and detention of opposition political leaders.
The council issued their call in a joint statement signed by eleven Council leaders, headed by Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama, the Chairperson of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS).
South Sudan continues to grapple with numerous challenges, including violence in some parts of the country and widespread hunger.
As part of their ongoing advocacy for stability, the Council of Churches reminded citizens to draw lessons from Easter and focus on their unity.
“In a nation that has borne the burdens of conflict, displacement, and hardship, Easter comes as a powerful reminder that God’s love can breathe new life into the most broken places. Just as Christ broke the chains of death, so too are we called to break the chains of hatred, division, and violence,” the statement partly read.
“This sacred season reminds us of the ultimate victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, a divine assurance that suffering, injustice, and death do not have the final word,” it continued.
The South Sudan Council of Churches extended its warm and heartfelt Easter greetings to all Christians across South Sudan and urged them to forgive one another.
The council called on all South Sudanese, and leaders in particular, to engage in dialogue.
“Let this Easter be a time to renew our commitment to peace, forgiveness, and unity. We urge all leaders and citizens to embrace dialogue, reject tribalism, and work together towards a just, peaceful, and prosperous future for all,” it reiterated.
Meanwhile, in his Easter Message, President Salva Kiir urged citizens to show love to one another.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, may your heart be filled with His eternal love and peace. Let us show love to one another as God so loved the world. Keep our country in your prayers so that we may live in peace and harmony,” President Kiir said in a statement.