Church leaders from various denominations in South Sudan issued a letter Wednesday expressing sadness and condemnation concerning the recent violence in the country and are calling on the government to “take control of the situation and protect its citizens.”
The newly elected moderator of the WCC Central Committee has called on the government of South Sudan to have a “Mandela moment” as it confronts the aftermath of violence on Monday.
On 9 July 2011, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation. South Sudan today is estimated to be home to more than 11 million people and is geographically one of the larger countries in Africa. The prayer and theme of the WCC 10th Assembly is “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”. What does the prayer for justice and peace means for South Sudan today and in the future?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been honoured with the 2013 Templeton Prize in recognition of his lifetime achievements in advancing spiritual principles of hope, reconciliation and forgiveness, especially in helping to end the apartheid era in South Africa.
South Sudan president Salva Kiir Mayardit emphasized the strong potential of churches in helping to develop their new country. His comments came during a conversation with the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, who on Friday, 25 April visited the capital city, Juba, where he met with staff and members of the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC).
In his meeting with the Sudanese minister Alfatih T. Abdallah, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit stressed the important role of Sudanese churches in rebuilding their nation after years of conflict, along with the assurance of their religious freedoms.
“The prospect for a religion-based approach to peace-making has a great potential in sub-Saharan Africa,” Dr Yacob Tesfai said presenting his new book Holy Warriors, Infidels and Peacemakers in Africa.
