“Reject hatred, retaliation”: Catholic Bishop in South Sudan Cautions after Second Church Official Killed

“Reject retaliation. Reject hatred. Choose peace. Let mercy, justice, and wisdom prevail over anger,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop emphasizes in his statement shared with ACI Africa. 

In the statement, he describes the murders at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish as shocking, cowardly, and unacceptable.

“These continued attacks on innocent lives are utterly unacceptable – they are deeply immoral and must stop now,” he says. 

Bishop Hiiboro notes that the Catholic Parish had, for over three years, been a home to thousands of men, women and children who were displaced in the world’s newest country that that has experienced decades of violence.

Those displaced, he says, “came to seek safety and peace in the house of God.”

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“That such a sanctuary is violated by acts of murder is a grave sin and a wound to our collective humanity,” the Local Ordinary of CDTY since his Episcopal Consecration in June 2008 laments. 

Condemning the killings, which he has described as “barbaric and uncivilised”, Bishop Hiiboro says, “The Church is not a battleground – it is a holy place, a refuge, where people come to find God's peace, not the cruelty of man.”

He appeals to the South Sudanese government to act “swiftly and decisively” to bring the perpetrators of the killings to justice. 

“Restore peace and security to this region. Rescue your people. It is your solemn duty to protect the lives and dignity of all citizens,” the Catholic Church leader told the South Sudanese authorities.

He goes on to call for conversion of hearts of those behind attacks at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish, saying, “To the perpetrators and killers, I say this with the heart of a shepherd: stop what you are doing. Enough of this violence. These acts are not good – they are evil. You are not serving your people or your cause; you are destroying your brothers. Choose peace. Lay down your arms. We are all members of one human family.”

Bishop Hiiboro expresses his closeness with refugees who are being pursued into their hiding in church premises.

He says, “To our suffering brothers and sisters displaced in church compounds. You sought the house of God, and still evil chased you there. As your Bishop, I confess my helplessness to shield you with anything but prayer and hope. But know this: Your God is with you, and your innocent blood will never go in vain.”

In his statement shared with ACI Africa, Bishop Hiiboro reminds the people of God in South Sudan to take to heart the late Pope Francis’ cry for peace when he said, “Peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected. Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.”

Sabrine Amboka contributed to this story

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