Unrest in South Sudan
Global Ministries has received statements regarding the situation in South Sudan from the South Sudan Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches.
South Sudan Council of Churches
Message on Mourning Children Who Are Gone
Jesus blesses the Children: “When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, let the children come to me. Don’t stop them/ For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. “(Mark I 0: 14-15).
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) condemns in the strongest term the gruesome murder of the three (3) little innocent children in Rock City Residential Area of Juba on the evening of Saturday 1st August 2020. This is a barbaric, heinous, and demonic act that cannot be tolerated. Children are to be loved, protected, nurtured, and cared for by the community and society; they are not to be taken advantage of, neglected, or abused. They are a wonderful gift God endowed us with to cherish and to love and to give them a future and hope. “Children are a gift from the Lord,· they are a reward from him.” (Psalms 127:3).
As Prophet Jeremiah recalls the sadness of Rachel: “A cry is heard in Ramah – deep anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted – for her children are gone.” (Jeremiah 31:15). Today South Sudan continuous to mourn her children who are gone. We mourn the barbaric killing of the three (3) children in Rock City Residential Area of Juba; children washed out of life by the floods after the torrential rains in Juba and other parts of South Sudan; children who are abused because of their innocence and fragility; children who are manipulated because of their quest for the love of their parents; children who abandoned in the villages and streets of the towns and cities of South Sudan; children who are suffering from the deep trauma of their parents, relatives, and neighbors; children killed as a consequence of rampant communal and inter-communal violence; children who just need LOVE and CARE. Oh God bless, help, and deliver the people of South Sudan from the bondage sin and evil.
We demand that this unprecedented case be given the most urgent priority and we pray that justice takes its course. We also pray to the almighty God to comfort the bereaved family in this very difficult time of great loss. May God rest their souls in eternal peace!
All Africa Conference of Churches
Statement on the Attack on the Cathedral of Makol Chuei in the Diocese of Athooch of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Jonglei State
To the Archbishop of the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan,
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has received the information about the attack on the Cathedral of Makol Chuei, Headquarters of the diocese of Athooch of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, and the killing of 32 people, including the Dean of the Cathedral, with profound shock. We join you in mourning as we remember all those who succumbed, as well as praying for the quick recovery of the 20 people who were wounded.
It is particularly distressing that the attackers killed all the children they abducted in the bush. These are innocent souls who do not even have any idea as to what the conflict is all about, and to kill them is very cruel. We pray for their families, their friends, and the extended community that grieves this loss. Kindly receive our heartfelt condolences.
As we respond with prayer, the All Africa Conference of Churches:
- Calls yet again on all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to condemn all kinds of violence, and to refrain from using it to destroy their fellow citizens
- Calls on the government of South Sudan to do all in its power to protect the lives of its citizens and the international community.
- Calls on the regional and international bodies, the East African Community (EAC), The Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Security Council to take this attack as an assault on world peace, and demand for the full implementation of the long-delayed peace agreement in South Sudan, to bring to a stop the intercommunal violence. The people of South Sudan deserve to live in peace to develop their lives and their country.
- Stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, and calls on humanitarian and ecumenical networks to respond to their emergency needs
As the All Africa Conference of Churches, we reiterate our commitment to accompany the churches in South Sudan and elsewhere in the continent, to defend the cause of peace and human dignity, and remain at your side in these difficult times.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come, and the mountains crumble into the sea.” Psalm 46:1
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki
General Secretary