The Catholic Archbishop of Juba archdiocese, Dr. Stephen Ameyu Martin is directing dioceses to set up emergency centers for refugees and returning seeking safety in South Sudan.
The church leader said people fleeing from Sudan should be given special consideration to settle in the country.
This came during the opening of the South Sudan Catholic Bishops Ecclesiastical Provincial Council forum commenced on Tuesday, 27th June in Juba.
The three-day conference is expected to address issues that are arising in the dioceses and as well as the community.
Archbishop Ameyu encourages Church organizations to continue helping in humanitarian emergencies, especially the people who are coming from Sudan.
“It is not easy but you are managing it, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan has not peaked but is accelerating, I encourage you to continue to help in the emergency we have,” he said.
Archbishop applauds, NGOs and solidarity working in the ecclesial province for their commitment to work in South Sudan.
He says there is a need for Catholic Church leaders to set up their resolution for peace-building and peace-searching all over the country.
“We need to set up our resolve for peacebuilding and peace-searching all over the country, we are experiencing little wars or skirmishes that could become full civil war if they are allowed to continue.”
He appeals to the Catholic leaders to consider peace and reconciliation as their priorities in South Sudan.
“I’m grateful to you for having approved the topic we are to treat during these three days, which are geared towards provision for peace and reconciliation. Let us make peace and reconciliation our priorities.”
He urged religious leaders to stand on the cross if implementing the ecumenical messages left by Pope Francis.
“We stand on the crossroad of implementing the ecumenical messages left by our visitors, especially Pope Francis.”
Archbishop Ameyu welcomed the new bishop who was for the first time attending the South Sudan Bishops conference.