The president of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) raised alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the two neighbouring countries of Sudan and South Sudan. In his opening remarks to SSS-CBC members in the Catholic Diocese of Malakal in South Sudan, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu urged Catholic leaders to strengthen unity, foster nonviolence, and reinforce pastoral structures as the Church responds to the plight of the people of God in Sudan and South Sudan.
Ameyu described the meeting as “a sign of communion that binds us as the body of Christ; a communion that strengthens the bonds of unity, charity, and peace, which unite us in the college of bishops.” He prayed that deliberations during the meeting would be “guided by the gospel of nonviolence and the call to be servants of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God.”
“The people of Sudan and South Sudan are enduring profound suffering, displacement, loss of life, destruction of churches and properties, and a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale,” Ameyu, who also serves as the archbishop of Juba, said on 10 November.
He acknowledged with appreciation the spirit of endurance among the Sudanese people, saying: “Amidst these trials, the dioceses have demonstrated resilience, providing shelters, food, and spiritual care through charities and other agencies.”
He continued: “It is our pastoral priority that we work for peace and justice. We are called to build this important institution of justice and peace in our secretariat but above all also in our different dioceses,” he said, adding that the Church is deeply committed to humanitarian assistance, which has become a daily part of service in Sudanese Catholic dioceses.
“We provide support not only materially but also morally, offering solidarity to refugees and returnees who are coming back home,” Ameyu said. “We are together standing to evangelize these people, to have this catechesis for the people who are stressed.” Ameyu urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to prioritize peace above all else. He emphasized that true peace in Sudan and South Sudan can only be achieved when citizens overcome tribal divisions and embrace unity.
