Politicians urged religious leaders not to use their faith for political purposes during the celebration of Id Festival yesterday morning.
A massive Muslim congregation attended the Id prayer at Moulid Square in Wau on Sunday together with politicians and other religious leaders in Western Bahr El Ghazal, Voice of Hope reported.State Minister for Youth, Sport and Social Welfare, Archangelo Anyar Anyar, said during his speech that the Ministry established a special department for Religious Affairs in the state that will contribute to the management of religious diversity.
He added that the Islamic Council is an independent institution for Muslims but should not mix politics with religion.
State Governor Rizik Hassan Zachariah told the crowd that the presence of different religions in the state was important to build humankind spiritually.
He added that they contribute to the development of South Sudan.
The Governor warned that when politics mix with religion, religion will not go as God wants.
Mr Rizik urged religious leaders in the state to be sources of peace and brotherhood.
Abyei Secretary of Islamic Movement Abdu Kharim Manyil Chol said Muslims in South Sudan are committed not to mix religion with politics.
Catholic Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of Wau told the gathering about the importance to respect all religions and work according to the Ten Commandments.
He said there is no New Sudan in the Bible or in the Qur’an, and religion should be far from politics.