Former Jonglei Bishop roots for peace among communities
December 20, 2015 (BOR) – The former bishop of Bor, Nathanial Garang has appealed to people in South Sudan’s Jonglei state to hold individual or public prayers in support for peace among the Dinka, Nuer and Murle tribes.
“I will fast for three days starting from 21 [December]. This prayer will focus on peace between Dinka, Nuer and Murle. We must pray so that God helps us to be in peace,” Garang told the congregation in Bor town on Sunday.
“There is no one who can bring peace, expect God to end these killings”, he added.
A former soldier in South Sudan’s liberation struggle, Garang said it was through prayer that he quit the war to become a church preacher in the 1960s.
He warned youth on revenge, urging them to defend their properties and the population.
“When outside there with your gun, you must be strong to defend yourselves, not plan for revenge. You should leave revenge to God”, said Garang.
Bior Ajang Duot, an undersecretary in the foreign affairs ministry urged the congregation to support government in implementing the peace agreement signed with the opposition.
“Peace must be upheld by everyone and both sides so that the killings we witnessed are not repeated. We must create a day to commemorate our loved ones who were killed during the crisis,” he said, adding “This day should be respected and commemorated every year so that we prevent the repeat of such violence”.
(ST)