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Culminating a 15-17 August meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, the South Sudan Council of Churches issued a statement reflecting on war and violent conflict that continue to plague the nation.
“Death, displacement, hunger and impoverishment have brought our people to their knees, and they are deeply tired of this unbearable situation,” the statement read. “The parties to the conflicts appear not closer to a resolution, despite frameworks and signed agreements, risking total destruction of our beautiful land.”
The South Sudan Council of Churches defined a collective moral responsibility to stop the violence and prevent the misuse of power and arms. “The war must end!” the statement reads. “National interests and the interests of the people in South Sudan must be put first, arms must be laid down and those within and around South Sudan who support violence must stop fanning the flames.”
The council statement further asks people to denounce negative tribal and political inclinations. “We appeal to you to resist the temptation of being pulled towards divided and negative paths and stand together for peace!” the statement reads. “We call upon you all as people of integrity to seek the path of dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation.”
The statement urged people to take courage. “We believe that if all the people of South Sudan exert the same efforts toward peace, we can have it!” the statement reads. “Words not bullets must resolve our problems.”
