The leadership of the Catholic Church in South Sudan made an act of faith in the future of the young country despite of many difficulties it faces.
Seven bishops and two monsignors concluded on Friday a four-day meeting in Juba and released a pastoral message of hope and encouragement to the church and to the nation.
Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro of Juba and Catholic Metropolitan of South Sudan presented the pastoral message to the press.
He said the catholic bishops were very positive and hopeful about the welfare of the country.
The prelate urged people not to exaggerate the weaknesses of the country but believe that they would succeed.
Archbishop Lukudu said the bishops were concern about the current situation in Jonglei and expressed their support to the peace initiatives in the restive state.
He added that the situation was very complex with many players and people should be involved in its resolution.
Archbishop Lukudu said the bishops and heads of diocese underlined that the country should move from emergency relief to sustained development.
He added that the bishops greeted the better relationship between South Sudan and Sudan.
Archbishop Lukudu said the bishops had a word to the people of Abyei: they should be understood, heard, taken care of, their aspirations should be attended to.
The bishops said the churches should own the National Healing and Reconciliation process they were entrusted with.
Archbishop Lukudu said the bishops supported fully the process and vowed to work hard to see the reconciliation and healing of all citizens of South Sudan.