Bhar El Ghazal Bishops call for peace and forgiveness

July 12, 2016 (RUMBEK) – A five-day conference for Bishops from South Sudan’s Greater Bahr el Ghazal region commenced Tuesday with calls for peace and forgiveness among the country’s warring factions.

Although the event initially commenced with calls for peace and harmony, it appeared to have been overshadow by the military confrontations that took place in the capital, Juba last week.

Father John Ochawaya Owiro, who represented Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, called for peace and unity in the world’s youngest nation.

“The 11 bishops of Bhar El Ghazal need peace and reconciliation, peace to cement differences between communities,” said Owiro.

“The South Sudan Council of Churches is very concerned for the lives lost and the displaced people within the capital, Juba,” he added.

The cleric further appealed to the South Sudanese national army to respect the rights of civilians and all other aspects of human rights.

He urged the leaders of the two warring parties to talk to theirs forces to ensure the ceasefire declared is respected for the sake of stability.

South Sudan Council of Churches advised South Sudanese citizens to lay down their guns and implement the peace deal signed by the warring parties in August last year.

(ST)