Church Leader Appeals for Peace and National Reconciliation

By Simon Deng

The Primate and Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Justin Badi Arama, has urged South Sudanese to embrace peace and reconciliation across the country. This appeal was made on Wednesday during the opening of the annual bishops’ conference.

“We encourage our bishops to stand firm and look to Jesus amidst the challenges we face as a country, region, families, and as the Church. We hope they will continue to demonstrate leadership and be symbols of peace and reconciliation in every community of South Sudan,” said Arama.

He revealed that the annual bishops’ conference was attended by 58 bishops, with three sending their apologies. The gathering brought together ECS bishops from 61 dioceses within the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

“All the bishops gather for encouragement, guidance, and to be equipped to return and serve the people of God. Our theme is taken from the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in John’s Gospel, where Jesus encouraged his disciples to take heart despite the many challenges they may face,” he explained.

“We thank God for His message and pray that these two days together will be filled with prayer, encouragement, and a focus on Jesus, as we seek His intervention in the situation of our country.”