Religious Leaders Urged to Promote Dialogue, Reconciliation

By Awan Achiek

The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, on Saturday, urged religious leaders to foster dialogue and support reconciliation in communities affected by conflict.

Mujung made this appeal during the Annual Feast celebration of All Saints Day and the Jubilee of Hope, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” at All Saints Parish in Rajaf.

“Hope has always been the foundation of our resilience as South Sudanese; it sustained us during our struggles and continues to guide our pursuit of peace, stability, and development,” Mujung stated to his press unit.

He commended the Church for its enduring role as a partner in peace and reconciliation, reinforcing moral values, social cohesion, and harmony within communities.

Mujung described the Church as a moral compass, guiding political and community leaders towards dialogue, forgiveness, and national unity.

He highlighted the challenges facing the State, including the activities of holdout groups, rising youth violence, and suicides linked to distress.

The governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for peacebuilding and law enforcement.

Mujung emphasised the importance of unity as the driving force behind South Sudan’s liberation and independence, calling for renewed collaboration among citizens, religious institutions, and the government to end violence, rebuild communities, and consolidate peace.

Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, the Commissioner of Juba County, also stressed the significance of unity and respect for the Church.

“Land is not like a mat that can be rolled away; this church has stood for 106 years and will remain until the second coming of Christ,” Ezbon remarked.

Meanwhile, Santo Loku Pio, Auxiliary Bishop of Juba Archdiocese, encouraged believers to adhere to Christian values such as repentance, forgiveness, and holiness.

“We encourage both citizens and leaders to perform good deeds and revere the Lord to be counted among the saints,” Loku stated.

The event was attended by state ministers, legislators, government officials, church leaders, and hundreds of faithful.