Cleric praises US efforts, urges speedy negotiations to end S. Sudan conflict
May 3, 2014 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese cleric on Saturday welcomed the visit of US secretary of state John Kerry, saying it shows the level to which the conflict has reached and adding it was time for the country’s warring parties to swiftly reach a peaceful settlement.
“We would like to clearly state once again commitment of the faith based groups that it is always imperative the leaders should take a look at peaceful resolution to difficulties. War has never solved any difference. We believe war always widen differences and prolong the efforts,” said the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan’s Akot diocese, Bishop Isaac Dhieu.
Dhieu said the church has dedicated prayers for peace in the country and that they would like people know about the role the faith based groups are playing.
He explained that the religious leaders from different denominations have spoken forcefully in the past months through sermons and in the social calling to end the nearly five-month conflict.
“Our hearts are deeply broken and wounded in particular by what is happening in this country. The people of God are living in pain and anguish. They are suffering and weeping profusely,” he said.
He also called on the different religious groups around the world to support their efforts to end this political conflict which is now taking more and more ethnic character.
South Sudan’s religious groups “need assistance from the people of God across the whole world. We also call on our leaders to stop the war and come together to bring an end to this conflict,” he said.
POSITIVE BEGINNING
Bishop Dhieu who spoke to Sudan Tribune on Saturday described the visit of the US top diplomat as “a positive beginning” in the international search for peace in the new nation.
“We thank the almighty God for opening the widows of intervention to the suffering of our people. The visit of the secretary of state of the United States is a positive beginning in the international search for peace to come to this country and we indeed pray that peace come to this country. Our people have suffered a lot and they must suffer again. They have had enough suffering,” the Bishop said.
(ST)