 Kicked-off two-day validation workshop on its 2026–2028 draft strategies, setting the stage for episcopal review and endorsement in November.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC) Kicked-off two-day validation workshop on its 2026–2028 draft strategies, setting the stage for episcopal review and endorsement in November.
The key focus areas of the draft include: context analysis, organizational structure and stakeholders, thematic interventions, expected outcomes and priority actions, organogram, monitoring and evaluation framework, and the implementation plan.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, the Secretary General of SSSCBC, Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino, urged participants to critically examine the document and ensure its contents reflect their earlier discussions and contributions.
“The validation stage of any document is very important. We do not assume that what was recorded is completely accurate until it is brought back to us. That is part of ownership. We have to agree—or even disagree, why not? It’s not about everyone agreeing; disagreement can also help us find consensus.”
Fr. Ochaya added that once validated, the strategy document will be presented to the bishops during the upcoming plenary in November for their review and approval.
“Once we, as participants, own the document, it will be passed on to the bishops. During the November plenary, they will either adopt it or suggest changes before giving their final endorsement.”
He encouraged all participants to share their views freely to ensure the document is as comprehensive and practical as possible.
Meanwhile, consultant Bernard Okok, who is facilitating the validation process, explained that his role is to guide the review and ensure clarity, while emphasizing that the actual content came from the participants themselves.
“My role is limited to guiding the process. You did the real work; I only consolidated your inputs into a coherent document. Now, my task is to ensure we validate it together.”
According to Okok, the process—which has taken approximately three months—is a reflection of the Church’s current emphasis on synodality, encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility in shaping the Church’s future direction.
The draft strategy is the result of a series of meetings between the Bishops’ Secretariat and key partners, which began in June this year, aiming to establish a clear and coordinated roadmap for the Church’s executive arm from 2026 to 2028.
The draft strategies validation workshop brought together key partners, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas, Carfort, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Malteser International, among others.