By: Ginaba Lino
Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference on Tuesday 18th Feb 2025 kicked off its extraordinary meeting of the Bishops in Juba Under the Theme “One Body, One Spirit in Christ.”
The three-day meeting focuses on the new development of the Catholic Church including education, Health, and construction of the National PALICA.
The president of the Bishop’s Conference, His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla says their discussions will focus on the key initiatives that are essential for the growth and sustainability of the Church in the region.
Cardinal Ameyu urges the bishops of the conference to acknowledge the challenges that confront the Church as they reflect on the current situation in Sudan and South Sudan.
“Our discussions today will focus on several key initiatives that are essential for the growth and sustainability of the Church in our believed region, as we reflect on the current situation in Sudan and South Sudan we must acknowledge many challenges that confront us.”
He emphasized that the Church is not only a spiritual beacon but also a crucial player in the social economic landscape of the Community.
Ameyu adds that their commitment to education, moral formation, and inter-religious dialogue are paramount in fostering peace and unity among the people.
“One of the significant discussions before us is the signing of a memorandum of understanding with solidarity, this partnership represents an opportunity for us to enhance our outreach and support for the community,” His Eminence stated.
He elaborates that the establishment of the new commission for Catholic education is a critical step forward, citing that the commission will focus on ensuring that our educational institutions not only provide academic excellence but also instill moral values and civic responsibility in the students.
“The formation of our future leaders is a secret duty that we must prioritize. The major seminary plays a crucial role in this endeavor, providing the necessary Theological and pastoral training for our seminarians.”
Cardinal Ameyu highlighted the importance of education, saying investing in clergy education is an investment in the future of the Church in Sudan and South Sudan.
He urges the bishops to ensure that the seminarians are well prepared to meet the spiritual and practical needs of the Communities.
Stephen also highlights the vision of constructing the National Palica, adding it’s an exciting development that will save the Church for pastoral training and liturgical formation.
He calls on the Bishops to support the proposed decisions to foster a spirit of collaboration and commitment to the Bishop’s shared mission.
The issues to deliberate on during the three 3-day Bishops’ extra-ordinary meeting include new department of education in the General Secretariat Bishops’ conference, discussion and approval of Tenure of the Catholic University of South Sudan, presentation on the building of the National PALICA Center in Juba, Opus Securitatis for the clergy of the Conference, St. Paul’s Major Seminary Emergency issues, and the Jubilee year of Hope.
The extraordinary meeting will conclude on February 20, 2025, with the outcome of the meeting.