By: Ginaba Lino
The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference held a half-day strategic forum with its partners to strengthen collaboration and address key challenges affecting the development and smooth operation of the Conference.
The primary goal of the meeting was to share the Conference’s ongoing strategic planning efforts and highlight existing constraints, particularly those stemming from limited financial and institutional resources.
Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino, Secretary General of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, presented several developmental initiatives being planned. Among them is the establishment of an “office antenna” in Nuba Mountains, Khartoum and Port Sudan.
The project aims to improve communication and reporting on issues affecting Catholic churches in the region.
Fr. Ochaya also shared that the Conference is collaborating with a consultant from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to conduct a contextual analysis of both Sudan and South Sudan. The findings will inform the creation of a three-year strategic plan aimed at reinforcing the existing church structures and services.
He expressed gratitude to the partners for their continued support, urging them to remain committed to strengthening church institutions that serve communities across the two countries.
In response, partners reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Bishops’ Conference to help the Catholic Church maintain its vital role in society.
Support areas identified by the partners include developing advocacy strategies, delivering civic education, promoting health services, and expanding outreach to vulnerable communities.
Dedu Selamsew, the Country Representative of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), praised the Bishops’ Conference for organizing the forum. He noted that the discussion created a shared vision for addressing community needs more effectively.
Selamsew also acknowledged the impact of recent U.S. funding cuts on CRS operations in South Sudan and other African countries but affirmed that CRS remains committed to supporting the Bishops’ Conference wherever possible.