JUBA JUNE 21 2016 (CISA) – The Catholic Bishops have invited the faithful of the country to support the nation’s leadership.
“Offer them support and encouragement to rise above their personal interests. Reassure them that the nation and the international community understand their situation,” the bishops said in a statement published at the end of their Assembly held Juba, June 14 -16, Fides reported.
“They are human beings, sons and daughters of God. Let us treat them with love and mercy, not hatred and condemnation. The priority now is reforming and rebuilding our shattered nation,” the Bishops added.
The Bishops urged everyone “to Stop disseminating hate speech and tribalism on the internet and social media, and instead spread constructive peaceful messages.”
“Now is the time for the government and all citizens to work together for the future,” South Sudanese bishops said. “Do not indulge in destructive criticism; instead roll up your sleeves and get to work to build a new nation for ourselves, our children and our children’s children”, said the Bishops.
The document also urges the two leaders to publicly reassure the citizens of their willingness to work together for the good of the nation by making both practical and symbolic gestures such as praying together, touring the country and meeting the ordinary people together and paying special attention to those who have been displaced from their homes.
The Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict, between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, in the Republic of South Sudan was signed in August 2015.
