South Sudan: Archbishop downplays referendum fears, says vote will determine destiny
By Julius N. Uma
December 27, 2010 (GULU) – The Archbishop of Juba has appealed to the Southern Sudanese population to remain calm as the January 9 referendum independence approaches and treat it with the “seriousness and dedication” it deserves.
The referendum is a key prerequisite of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended over two decades of a bloody civil war fought between Christian dominated south and the mainly Muslim north of the country.
“I want to remind you and other believers that this referendum is God’s plan for the Sudan at this very time. We went through a peaceful voter registration, despite our predictions fear and doubt about God’s ability to ensure peace,” the December 24 message reads.
The Juba archbishop, citing Luke 2:10-11, further likened Sudan’s current situation to the Bethlehem era where Jesus Christ emerged as a savior to redeem the then population from all form of sins and oppression.
BLESSED YEAR
Describing this year as “a specialty blessed year”, archbishop Loro also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the clergy, religious leaders and all pastoral agents in their various mandates within the Juba archdiocese.
The Juba archdiocese, In July, conducted a catholic bishops’ conference entitled, “A future full of hope”. The conference concluded with a pastoral letter on the self-determination referendum.
In September, the Juba archdiocese introduced and started an initiative known as the ‘101 days of prayer for a peaceful referendum’. The campaign has since incorporated numerous followers.
Archbishop Loro also lauded the recently concluded voter registration exercise, describing it as smoothly-held. About 3.5 million southerners, both from within the country and in the Diaspora are expected to vote in next year’s referendum.
He urged the peace partners currently involved in the post-referendum negotiations to develop clear policies that will guide issues concerning borders, citizenship, wealth sharing and the payment of Sudan’s huge international debt.
(ST)
maumau
South Sudan: Archbishop downplays referendum fears, says vote will determine destiny
The Archbishop got it right, the referendum will go on peacefully but the international community must continue to put pressure on Khartoum to recognise the results. We want to separate and remain good neighbours especially in bilateral and technical areas. MAUMAU
Aleu
South Sudan: Archbishop downplays referendum fears, says vote will determine destiny
Juliu N.Uma.
Indeed this is the time for religious leaders to do their parts because the freedom of the religious to practices their believes is very important to Southern Sudanese religion to keep up fighting and also you guys from media, I think you all need to reach out inside Southern Sudan’s communities and addressing them clear so that, they will understand what freedom mean to them and their children in years to come. We have appreciated these Southern Sudanese religion leaders a cross in Southern Sudan for supporting independence of Southern Sudan nation and thus, not merely religious to speak up but we want everyone to do his or her part too.
Southern Sudan nation Oyee.
The Republic of Southern Sudan Oyee.
The Junubin people Oyee.
The SPLA for New Sudan Oyee.
Long live of Southern Sudanese Oyee.
The Southern Sudan will success and good luck and may God blessing Southern Sudanese people.
Rev John Khamis Kamunde
South Sudan: Archbishop downplays referendum fears, says vote will determine destiny
Congratulation to you arch-bishop Lukudu.
Indeed all the church leaders,politicians,institutioners men,women young and old people of Southern Sudan have to stand up with our suport to face this crucial time we are aproaching.
Anyone,or any group which will not participate with us will be like a slave who had been set free but refuse to go.
In fact we will be laught at with all the world if we dont work hard to suport our referendum process,and will be like the Israelite refusing to get out of Egypt or refusing to cross the red sea.
God will curse any attempt to distrupt our freedom because let us not forget that it was God almighty who arrange this referendum for us,therefore anyone playing with it will face from God Him self.
Rev Kamunde.
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