South Sudan Government Intervenes to Resolve Church Crisis and Save Lives
The South Sudan government has taken steps to resolve a church crisis in order to protect lives and promote peace. The Minister of Information and Communication, Michael Makuei Lueth, made this announcement during a press conference in Juba. His remarks were in response to a statement made by Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, the Primate of the Especial Church of South Sudan (ECSS), who criticized government officials for getting involved in the church’s administrative matters and expressed concerns about the lack of government protection for the church, clergy, and faithful.
The ECSS has been facing internal conflicts and contradictions since Bishop Reuben Akurdit Ngong was defrocked by Archbishop Badi in August 2020 due to allegations of canonical disobedience. Bishop Akurdit attempted to seek restoration through secular courts, but the matter was referred back to the church.
Since then, clashes have occurred between the followers of Archbishop Badi and Bishop Ayom, who replaced Bishop Akurdit as the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Jonglei and Bishop of Bor. Tensions reached a point where state authorities had to shut down Langbar Episcopal Church in Bor on August 2nd following clashes over church ownership. This led to the arrest and detention of a bishop and 25 Christians.
In response to criticism from Archbishop Badi that government officials should not involve themselves in church matters, Minister Makuei stated that the church is made up of the community and the people. He emphasized the importance of community support and protection for the church, stating that without the community, there would be no church. He further highlighted the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens and called for peace to prevent further violence.
The Minister denied claims that politicians were fueling the conflict within the ECSS in Bor, asserting that they were merely fulfilling their duty to protect the people of South Sudan. He also clarified that President Salva Kiir’s involvement in the ECSS conflict was aimed at resolving misunderstandings and maintaining security.
President Kiir previously mediated between the conflicting ECSS leaders in June. Despite an agreement for Bishop Akurdit to issue an apology to Archbishop Badi, the former only agreed to apologize if his defrocking was reversed. This condition was based on the need to confirm the created dioceses and bishops. Archbishop Badi accepted the apology but emphasized that any resolution had to adhere to the church’s constitution, laws, and canons.
The government’s intervention in the church crisis in South Sudan aims to preserve lives and restore peace within the ECSS. Through mediation and a commitment to protecting the community, the government seeks to prevent further violence and ensure the well-being of its citizens. The resolution of the conflict will be integral to the stability and reconciliation of the church and its followers.
