A Church official has affirmed that taking part in the Referendum for Southern Sudan is a sign of patriotism and a moral obligation.
Caesar Mazzolari, the Catholic Bishop of Rumbek, has addressed a letter to all Church personnel in the Diocese of Rumbek, calling upon them to get involved in the process of the referendum, not as spectators, but as “makers of the referendum”.
Speaking to Good News Radio, the bishop said that the letter finds its origin in the present moment of the process towards the Referendum.
He added that the Church takes the issue of the Referendum very seriously has the duty to teach the virtue of patriotism.
The bishop urged Southern Sudanese people to get involved in the Referendum, adding that that the exercise is not an event for which Southern Sudanese are spectators.
He further highlighted the various ways in which the Church will be involved in preparing the people for the Referendum, the 101 days of peace initiative and direct civic education among others.
The initiative “101 Days of Prayer for Peace” is organized by Solidarity with Southern Sudan (SSS) through the sponsorship of Catholic Relief Service.