'Peace be with you'

 
"Make every effort to keep unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:3

South Sudan Council of Churches joins the world to commemorate International Day of Peace on 21st September 2021 under the theme: "Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world." Peace is a requirement to healing and recovery. However, in South Sudan, peace is still fragile. Food insecurity, inter-communal violence, COVID-19 pandemic, Natural environmental disaster due to climate change, sexual and gender-based violence, insecurity on roads and killings. We call for justice for the innocent lives lost on the roads and places of duty in South Sudan. We remember with deep pain all the humanitarian aid workers, medical doctors and nurses, religious sisters, priests, pastors and catechists killed in the cause of duty. We also remember with dismay the violence and insecurity in Tombura County of Western Equatoria State and other parts of the country. Human life and dignity are precious gifts. We can only rebuild when there is peace.

This year's commemoration of International Day of Peace is special because we celebrated our 10th anniversary as a country. This day is a reminder for us to cultivate the culture of peace as we reflect on our hard-won independence. It is only through nurturing this culture that we will enjoy its fruits. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James 3:18

The observance of the International Day of Peace provides a valuable opportunity for us to assess our progress and gaps in implementation of the R-ARCSS*. We should also use this prospect to call for recommitment to the Rome peace talks under the auspices of the Community of Sant'Egidio.

We would like to acknowledge the reconstitution and inauguration of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA). It is our hope that the institution will fasten the constitution making process and come up with strong laws to control the rate of Gender base violence as it is the pillar and guide for the state. In addition, we call for all parties to commit to accelerate implementation of the R-ARCSS. The goal of this agreement was "To lay a foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and rule of law." This is achievable through intense hard work and prayer.

The people feel insecure and we share this insecurity. We stand in solidarity with all our people as we are still in times of trials. Let us build resilience. There is hope. It is this hope that gives us strength to carry on amidst all challenges. Let us not give up! For we have a Promise from our savior, Jesus Christ. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

We as the South Sudan Council of Churches call upon every South Sudanese to stand against hatred and all seeds of conflict. We can co-exist. It is possible. May the peace of God be with you all. Be at peace with one another! Oh God Bless South Sudan with sustainable peace.

Download a PDF copy here.

*R-ARCSS = Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan