 and other senior religious leaders convened in Juba for a one-day workshop to strengthen the Church's role in peacebuilding, national advocacy, and reform efforts in South Sudan.){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino | CRN, Juba
The Justice and Peace Commissions (JPC) and other senior religious leaders convened in Juba for a one-day workshop to strengthen the Church’s role in peacebuilding, national advocacy, and reform efforts in South Sudan.
Held at the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) compound, the event brought together key figures from the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC), the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), and other denominational justice and peace commissions.
The workshop marked the official launch of the Religious Leaders’ Initiative for Peace and Stability in South Sudan, a faith-driven advocacy effort designed to create a unified strategy for peace and reform.
“This initiative is built on the strength of our togetherness,” said Fr. John Opi Severino, National Justice and Peace Coordinator for SSSCBC.
“The Church reaches where government often cannot. That presence is our power, and we must use it for peace.”
Supported by Norwegian Church Aid, the initiative will run through December 2025. It aims to build the capacity of religious leaders in peacebuilding and nonviolent communication and strengthen media advocacy skills
Michael Ouko, NCA Country Director, praised the Church’s long-standing role in peace and reconciliation:
“You are the voice of the people. This unity is your strength, and it is the hope of South Sudan.”
Rev. Tut Kony Kon, General Secretary of the SSCC, opened the session with a call for deeper inter-church collaboration:
“We are united. Our voice is one. But we must strengthen that unity with strategy, education, and advocacy rooted in the word of God.”
He also urged participants to embrace diversity and promote inclusive, nonviolent communication: “Our differences are not our weakness — they are our strength.”
Fr. Joseph Long, Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, emphasized aligning the new initiative with prior commitments and frameworks, including a recent joint church leaders’ statement issued in Nairobi.
“Our bishops have spoken. Now we are here to implement,” Fr. John added. “We are aligning our efforts under the umbrella of the SSCC.”