South Sudan asks church leaders to “exemplify Jesus Christ in their conduct”
September 27, 2010 (MALAKAL) – Sultan Kong Bol Riam, an advisor on inter- communal peace, in the regional government of the southern Sudan on Monday called on church leaders and Christians to reject vandalism and live above reproach.
The senior government official, who spoke to Sudan Tribune from the regional capital of Juba, said while knowing that their calling was important in serving God, “having the heart of a servant is even more important.”
“I was over impressed by the involvement of religious leaders in the organization and conduct of recent peace and conflict resolution conference among leaders and people of Western Equatoria State. Involvement of religious leaders in organization of such conference sends out clear message for love and actualized spiritual guidance needed from churches,” said Riam.
He reminded the church leaders that God had called them for service and not for self-centeredness and self-enrichment, saying “without a servant’s heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal enrichment”.
The topics to be treated included, “How a Pastor should relate to the Congregation and Public, the Media and the State”. The senior government official bemoaned the acrimony among men of God and their followers, use of foul language, emphasis on prophecy other than salvation and parading of charlatans in recent times.
He said the SPLM-led government was committed to creating an enabling environment for freedom of worship and opportunity for the Church leaders to invest in people so as to create prosperity for all.
The official said all hands must be on deck to make the vision of strategically branding “our faith as a viable force which would have the credibility and commitment to influence policies to the benefit of southern societies and play an integral role in the development of the better southern agenda a reality.”
He added, “All of us together-in and out of the country – must bear the burden. The solutions we seek to our problems must be equitable with no one group singled out to pay a higher price. A nation can be indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion nor won at the expense of others, but founded on the pillars of hope, trust, friendship, advocacy, volunteerism, faith and selflessness.”
The official further pledged the readiness of his office to fully cooperate and help church leaders to deal with the reputation and challenges facing Christendom in recent times. The presidential advisor also praised the church for playing active roles in health, agriculture, commerce, social welfare, education and peace talks besides its evangelism and spiritual development services.
He also called on church leaders to extend similar fraternity relationship with government, civil society organizations as well as community leaders and media. The church leaders should live up to expectation and have a cordial relationship with their congregation, the state and the media. He called on the church to stand the test of time and help the nation to develop and not shy away from its responsibility.
(ST)