Rudolph Deng Majak, who is also the bishop of Wau, made these remarks while presenting the Catholic bishops’ message, “A future full of hope”, elaborated by the extraordinary plenary meeting held in Juba from July 15 to 22, 2010.
Bishop Rudolph mentioned that the dominance of Islam adversely affects the rights of all, particularly of non-Muslims.
He added that a number of oppressive laws, including the National Security Act, have not been repealed, and noted that humanitarian organizations in Darfur and the rest of the north are subject to restrictive regulations and kidnappings.
He also mentioned the weak governance in the south which, he said, is giving rise to corruption, nepotism, lack of respect for human rights, harassment of humanitarian agencies and power struggles.
He said the bishops urge the authorities in northern Sudan to respect the freedom and human rights, including freedom of religion, of all inhabitants.
He urged the authorities in southern Sudan to respect the rights of northerners in the south and called for good governance, with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism.
Bishop Rudolph reiterated the church’s commitment to the work of peace-building and reconciliation on a daily and practical basis, in collaboration with others and in line with the Catholic Social Teaching.