A senior Church official said the Catholic leaders will not tell the Southern Sudanese which way to vote at the January 2011 referendum, except to insist that they should vote.
Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of Wau is the president of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC). He told Good News Radio that it was not the business of the Church leaders to influence Southern Sudanese people to vote for unity or separation.Bishop Deng said the Church leaders had the duty to tell the public about the importance of the referendum, describing the exercise as “the most important duty given to the people by God.”
Bishop Deng advised the Sudanese people to approach the referendum in a reflective and prayerful manner.
He added that the referendum is “a decision of a lifetime” that will benefit the present and future generations.
Bishop Deng urged the Sudanese people to implore overcome anger and hatred in order to exercise their right in good conscience and freedom.
Bishop Deng made these statements at the SCBC plenary that started today in Rumbek.