Episcopal archbishop hails WES government cooperation with churches

May 10, 2011 (KAMPALA) – At welcoming dinner on Monday organised in honour of Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS), the religious leader hailed the cooperation between the state government of Western Equatoria and various churches.

Addressing the invited guests at the function, Canon Deng said he felt honoured to witness such “coexistence in South Sudan which has given an indication of WES government has the fear and respect for the Lord.”

“I pledge the support of the churches behind every government who have the fear of God, like the sheppard’s who taking care of their sheep” the archbishop praised.

In less than two months the mainly Christian South will separate from the Islamic dominated North, after a referendum vote in January saw an overwhelmingly vote for secession.

Deng promised that the churches in the south will pray earnestly to have people and leaders who make South Sudan like other countries in the world.

“A God fearing country has justice for the people, humanity and no corruption, because they fearing God” he said.

He encouraged the government officials to stop battling for positions, which will create loopholes for the south’s enemies to laugh at the southerners.

Deng stated that any government that listens to its people qualifies that country to be full nation of humanity.

“South Sudan still have a lot of challenges ahead, but take heart together we say no to them” lamented Deng.

The archbishop appreciated the state for having started talks to intend to preserve the unity of the people of South Sudan, adding that the rest of the southern states should follow suit.

“I congratulate the state government under the humble leadership of Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro for looking into the rights of every south Sudanese” he said.

He called upon all the different levels of the government, from executive, legislature to read the book of Ezekiel 34 on how to be good shepherds.

“Governor Bakosoro was chosen by God through God’s people, during the last April’s elections and no leader comes by him” he was quoted as saying.

The governor of the state Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro thanked the Archbishop for accepting the dinner adding that “it is the culture of the people of WES to respect church leaders.”

“It is our honour and respect to be with the Archbishop in the state house, as government tasked to lead the people of the state,” said Bakosoro.

With various entertainments from different church choir groups, the governor encouraged the youth to prosper in their career of sending God’s messages through songs.

Bakosoro urged the state ministry of social development to cater for the youth of the state in promoting their activities.

“We have opened for you a recording studio in the state, make use of the studio to bring up quality gospel songs” he said.

The governor denounced any of form politics of revenge and hatred saying that “in any country, leader comes and leaders go, as a routine for governance.”

Bakosoro assured the gathering that, since he came as a governor, he will also leave the state as it is, but with legacy that will be followed by any in coming leader.

He urged the communities of the state to have the art of loving and respecting visitors in the state.

He condemned all forms tribalism and division amongst the politicians and south Sudanese.

“I strongly condemn all forms of division that will result South Sudan like another Somalia” he asserted.

He mentioned that if southern states learn and study from different cultures of other states it will nourish the new nation a better country.

Bakosoro also encouraged hard working citizens for the building of the new nation.

“On July 9th every citizen of Western Equatoria state will plant one seedling of any tree” he said.

(ST)