 and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wau, Rt. Rev. Matthew Remijo Adam, has called on young people across Eastern Africa to remain hopeful despite growing social and economic challenges, assuring them that the Church is committed to giving them a greater role in shaping its future.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
The Vice President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wau, Rt. Rev. Matthew Remijo Adam, has called on young people across Eastern Africa to remain hopeful despite growing social and economic challenges, assuring them that the Church is committed to giving them a greater role in shaping its future.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the 21st Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Plenary Assembly in Nairobi, Bishop Remijo described the gathering as a historic milestone, noting that the bishops’ decision to focus on youth reflects the Synod’s vision of solidarity, inclusion and shared responsibility.
He said the Church has opened all its decision-making forums to young people, encouraging them to participate actively in discerning and shaping the future of both the Church and society. “The Church depends on them today and even more in the future,” he said, urging youth never to lose hope despite the hardships they face.
Turning to South Sudan, Bishop Remijo said the Catholic Diocese of Wau continues to expand its pastoral mission despite logistical challenges, crediting improved security and cooperation between the Church and government for enabling effective ministry. He highlighted the reopening of parishes that had been closed during the civil war, saying the return of priests has encouraged displaced communities to return home and rebuild their lives.
The bishop also reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, saying it will continue proclaiming a prophetic message of reconciliation, dialogue and national unity. As South Sudan approaches its anticipated elections, he appealed to citizens and political leaders to reject violence regardless of the outcome.
“Whether there are elections or not, there should be no bloodshed,” he said, stressing that dialogue, not guns, remains the only path to lasting peace in South Sudan.