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YEARNING FOR PEACE!

EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE

share peace and reconciliation efforts leadership to consider appointing one also called for peace and unity among
with the warring communities,” he said. of them as a religious advisor to provide Christians. “Unity is strength, when
The coming together of the churches religious and spiritual guidance to the there is unity, there is no tribalism,” he
to support the government’s efforts has leadership of the state. Although the said while Fr. Jacob Odwa from Catholic
been prompted by the increasing rate of idea of the church coming together to Diocese of Torit weighed in, saying the
crimes which the government may not preach peace and ask for representation church should organize communal
be able to address on its own. in state governance was welcomed, prayer to serve as a symbol of unity
According to Rev. Sebit, extra support Deputy Governor Surur could not give among Christians.
from the church on advocacy for peace
and reconciliation is a top priority to
bring about peace and reconciliation
which he said is possible only if the church
works closely with the state and county
governments.“We as the government
must educate our communities on issues
they are not aware of, but those issues are
continuing to undermine co-existence
and harmony among the communities,”
he said. Pastor Wilson John Godi, the
Deputy Chairperson of the UECs said
the idea of holding joint overnight
prayers was to dedicate the country to
God in 2013 while quoting the Second
Chronicles 7:14.
“We the Church have discovered that
our land as South Sudan especially that
of EES has been defiled by civil wars. As
such, there is continuing shedding of
blood in EES towns like Loriyok (Camp
15) and Chukudum. We are expecting
new development, new transformation,
new hopes, new life, new beginning,”
said Godi.
The leaders prayed for forgiveness and
restoration of the broken land as the new
nation crossed into 2013.
The Christians have been urged to enter Pastor Primo Oduna Silvano speaking to the congregation on 01
the New Year with open and free hearts January 2013. [Gurtong | Peter Lokale Nakimangole]
with total peace and prayer for the
country to be blessed with a sanctified an immediate response. He instead Bishop Johnson Akio of the Catholic
economy so it is able to develop. The called for concerted efforts from all Diocese of Torit also called for peace,
church expects the government at all stakeholders for peace and development. honesty, civil freedom, freedom from
levels to lead the people in good faith The EES Inter-Church Committee’s hunger, and freedom from corruption
with equality and prosperity. Secretary General (SG) Evangelist and peace in families. Underscoring
The UEC has appealed to the state Primo Silvo Oduna on Christmas Eve the importance of the Church working

32 | Gurtong Focus Monthly February 2013