Clergy Seek Reconciliation On Current Crisis South Sudan religious leaders have expressed their deep concerns over the current situation urging the SPLM leaders to seek other means of solving disputes rather than violence. 19 December 2013
*By Ariik Atekdit* *MALAKAL, 19 December 2013 [Gurtong] – *The message of peace and reconciliation signed by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu on behalf of eight bishops and other church leaders said reconciliation is needed between the political leaders so that peace returns among the people. The Church leaders say that the consequences of the ongoing crisis in the country will be felt by all and have negative impacts if not controlled. The Bishops said that they are worried the political problem may turn into tribal conflicts. “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,” reads the message partly. The leaders said that violence is not an acceptable way of resolving disputes. They also added that any political disputes must be done in a peaceful and civilised manner, saying the church position is reconciliation and they offer themselves to act as mediators between the rivalry leaders. “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.” Lukudu stated. “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 message urged. The government should give information to civilians when there are security operations and direct them where to go for safety, according to the church leaders’ document. “We wish to see assurances for the safety of our international friends, including those from neighbouring countries, who are here to help us.” “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,” the message concluded. Posted in: Home<http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/CategoryView/mid/519/categoryId/1/Home.aspx>, Governance<http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/CategoryView/mid/519/categoryId/6/Governance.aspx> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/SouthSudanKob/CAJb14opx1wWgeN%3DxTQ40tDaP0Gq2b1arveR%2B0YVTb75ZVCx4%3DA%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
