Members of the National Reconciliation Committee started preparations for the National Day of Prayer for Reconciliation, Healing and Peace to be celebrated on Monday, July 8, with a meeting with legislators in Juba.
Committee leader Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul and his deputy Bishop Paride Taban headed a seven-person delegation who prayed with MPs at the National Legislative Assembly on Monday afternoon.
Archbishop Deng remarked that the national day of prayer kick starts the national reconciliation and healing process that ‘may take years.’
He said that the MPs were also a congregation and the bishops and other Church leaders came to the Assembly as their pastors to encourage them to make use of the opportunity.
Bishop Taban preached on reconciliation and healing, illustrating his message with many real stories from his vast experience as a peacemaker.
Cathy Arata, a sister from the US working with Solidarity with South Sudan, told MPs that her presence evoked the solidarity of the Church and international community during the long years of struggle.
On Tuesday, the members of committee are praying with the national council of ministers and on Wednesday with the President, the Vice-President and the presidential advisors.
On Thursday, it is the turn to pray with the youth at Nyakuron Cultural Centre, in Juba.
On Friday the Muslim community holds its won prayers at the various mosques across the country and on Saturday in the turn of women.
The Christian community prepares for the National Day of Prayer on Sunday.