Justice and Peace Urged to Amplify Bishops’ Voices

By Ginaba Lino

Kenyan Catholic priest who oversees Integral Human Development at the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), is calling on the Justice and Peace Commission in Sudan and South Sudan to amplify bishops’ voices to sustain the Pope’s message of peace.

This appeal was made during a training workshop on civic education for Justice and Peace Commission members at Good Shepherd in Kit. 

Fr. Paul Igweta emphasized the importance of continuing Pope Francis’ peace message, delivered during his visit to South Sudan last year.

“We must keep the Pope’s peace message alive,” Fr. Igweta urged. “AMECEA is committed to ensuring that this message remains at the forefront, especially as we approach critical periods such as elections.”

He stressed that even if elections do not occur as planned, the civic education remains crucial for the future. “As we conclude this workshop, it is essential that the Justice and Peace Commission clearly outlines their plans within their mandate. They will be key ambassadors of both the Church and the people of South Sudan.”

Fr. Igweta also highlighted the need for the Justice and Peace Commission to maintain objectivity while conducting civic education during the election process. “We have requested support for the peace process and the need for surveys within AMECEA conferences to understand the situation better,” he noted.

According to Fr. Igweta, many people in South Sudan lack familiarity with electoral processes. “Now is the time for South Sudan to gain a better understanding of these processes,” he said. He proposed engaging the South Sudan Council of Churches to foster an ecumenical spirit and involving Muslim and traditional leaders in the civic education efforts.

“One church alone cannot accomplish this task,” Fr. Igweta explained. “We need to work together with our Christian and Muslim brothers and traditional leaders to ensure comprehensive civic education.”

He emphasized that civic education is crucial for preparing people for peaceful elections and strengthening stakeholder capacities, particularly within the Church.

Fr. Peter Suleiman, Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, echoed these sentiments. He urged the Justice and Peace Commission to effectively implement the training and avoid any misguidance. “It is important to apply the knowledge gained here and disseminate it throughout the Church,” Fr. Suleiman stated. “We must understand and apply the democratic civic education processes to improve our communities.”