Page 33 - :: Publications

with the government, Bishop Akio delegation comprising of State Justice delegation from St. Paul’s church in
said Christians need to work hard and Peace Coordinator Fr. John Opi, Lodwar to Torit on a peace initiative
with courage, determination, honesty, Fr. Arkangelo Lokoro, Fr. Ben Peter aimed at curbing the sporadic attacks
sincerity, transparency, commitment Louis and Madelina Beato Atiol to and killings across the border between
and sacrifices. join fellow leaders and Christians in the Toposa ethnic community of South
Bishop Akio denounced nepotism and celebrating 50th Anniversary of the St. Sudan and Turkana of Kenya.
ethnic bias and criticized the lack of Patrick Missionary’s service in Lodwar,
unity among Christians. He urged
citizens to welcome peace, hope and
harmony that can build the nation.
On the other hand, Bishop, Bernard
Oringa Balmoi of the Episcopal
Church of Sudan Diocese of Torit
referring to Isaiah 9: 6-7 said; “Jesus
came into world as a counselor.
As the counselor, he appealed to
the community that let us counsel
each other because we have been
traumatized by the wars.”
According to the Bishop,
development cannot come without
unity as development unites all as
one nation.
Cattle rustling
The Bishop condemned cattle
rustlers who are fond of stealing from
their neighbouring communities
as this aggravates conflict in the
state and nation. He appealed to
the country to emulate Jesus by
propagating unity and forgetting
the idea of being in isolation that
a particular individual belongs to a
particular tribe, church, or region Bishop John Akio Silvano speaking to the congregation 01 January 2013. [Gurtong | Peter Lokale Nakimangole]
but instead they should remain
united as a family to develop. northern Kenya and foster peace in The team shared extensive insight on
The bishop appeals to the South Sudanese the neighbouring communities. The their mission with EES authorities
people to welcome the New Year with delegation held talks on the peaceful notably Bishop Akio, the State Governor
a change of minds and attitude while co-existence of the Toposa of South Louis Lobong Lojore and the State
urging South Sudanese communities to Sudan and the Turkana community Minister of Wildlife George Echom
live in peace and harmony as he wished of Kenya. The leaders believe that Ekeno.
them a Happy New Year. interaction and regular communication
As part of drives towards achieving between the neighbouring communities
relative peace across the region, is crucial to foster peaceful coexistence.
Bishop Akio in December 2012, led a Last year, Fr. Albert Salvance led a

Gurtong Focus Monthly February 2013| 33