The governor of Western Equatorial allowed all Jehovah’s Witnesses churches to reopen after a temporary shutdown for security purposes during the referendum.
Followers of the Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to register for the referendum in Western Equatoria and Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakasoro ordered their places to be shut down and forbade the followers to gather for prayers.The main Jehovah’s Witnesses church in Yambio was burned to ashes in mysterious circumstances.
On Thursday, the governor met with a Jehovah’s Witnesses team at his office and called on the followers to resume normal worship, Bakhita Radio reported.
Mr. Bakasoro stressed that the participation in national duties should not affect one’s relationship with God.
Jehovah’s Witness Stanley Mazida appreciated the governor’s call, saying since the churches were closed down nobody violated the prohibition to pray at those places.
The governor called upon all citizens in the state not to mix national issues with religion and that everybody must respect the Constitution.