MESSAGE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

FROM CHURCH LEADERS IN JUBA, 17th DECEMBER 2013

So the king said, ‘Bring me a sword’, and they brought a sword before
the king. The king said, ‘Divide the living boy in two; then give half
to one, and half to the other.’ But the woman whose son was alive said
to the king—because compassion for her son burned within her—‘Please,
my lord, give her the living boy; certainly do not kill him!’ The
other said, ‘It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it.’Then the
king responded: ‘Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him.
She is his mother.’All Israel heard of the judgement that the king had
rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived
that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice. (1 Kings
3:24-28)

Whatever has happened in Juba over the last few days, we are concerned
about the consequences.

There is a political problem between leaders within the SPLM. This
should not be turned into an ethnic problem. Sadly, on the ground it
is developing into tribalism. This must be defused urgently before it
spreads.

Reconciliation is needed between the political leaders. Violence is
not an acceptable way of resolving disputes. This must be done in a
peaceful and civilised manner. Reconciliation is at the heart of the
Church’s ministry, a key Gospel value, and so we offer ourselves as
mediators.

The way this incident is handled will have an effect on the future of
our nation, whether positive or negative, both internally and in terms
of international relations.

We are concerned about ongoing insecurity. Today was supposed to be a
normal business day, but that was not the case. Fighting, killing and
looting continued. The army must be controlled. We appeal to the
security forces, who are our brothers, our sons and our parishioners,
to exercise restraint and responsibility and to respect civilians.

We urge the civilians to remain calm and to stay somewhere safe. The
government should give information to civilians when there are
security operations and direct them where to go for safety.

We wish to see assurances for the safety of our international friends,
including those from neighbouring countries, who are here to help us.

We urge the government, UN and NGOs to provide humanitarian assistance
to the displaced civilians in Juba, and to ensure that water and food
are available for the population.

We are in the season leading up to Christmas. This year’s Christmas
may not be what we expected, but it is what we have been given and we
must accept it as it is. As we celebrate the birth of the
Christ-child, let us remember that God is with us, and pray for the
strength and courage to bring peace, reconciliation and healing to our
new nation.

Text of message given to TV and radio media on 17th December 2013 by
Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro on behalf of the following Church
leaders:

Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, Catholic Church
Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, ECSSS
Bishop Arkangelo Wani Lemi, AIC
Moderator Rev Tut Kony Nyang, SSPEC
Rev John Yor Nyiker, Secretary General PCOSS
Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban, Catholic Church
Bishop Michael Taban Toro, Chair SSCC
Rev Mark Akec Cien, Acting Secretary General SSCC

END