The South Sudanese Catholic Church leader, who has been at the helm of the Juba Archdiocese since his Installation in March 2020 reflected on self-reliance in Juba Archdiocese, the only Metropolitan See of the world’s newest nation that gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.
The goal of the self-reliance policy of Juba Archdiocese is not merely financial independence, but a commitment to empowering individuals and families, he said during the first day of the June 16 -21 event.
Cardinal Ameyu added, “The self-reliant policy must reflect our commitment to empowering individuals and families to become active participants in their development. By investing in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship, we can equip our people with the tools they need to thrive.”
The South Sudanese Cardinal, whose transfer from Torit Diocese to Juba was met with resistance from a section of the Clergy and Laity of Juba Archdiocese challenged pastoral agents in his Metropolitan See to “create programs that address not only the immediate needs but also promote long-term sustainability.”
“Together we can cultivate a culture of resilience and empowerment where every individual can contribute to the betterment of our church and our society,” the Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese, who doubles as the President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) since his installation in January 2024 said.
He also called attention to the urgent need for reconciliation in South Sudan, saying, “In a nation still healing from the scars of conflict, reconciliation is more than a concept. It is a necessity.”
The Catholic Church leader, who was among the three Africans created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory went on to link the Church’s physical development projects, including church buildings, schools, and healthcare centers to the broader spiritual task of fostering peace and dialogue.
“The most vital infrastructure we can build is that of the relationship. Through actions of love, kindness, and understanding, we can bridge divides and borders, promoting the spirit of coexistence that acknowledges our shared humanity,” Cardinal Ameyu said on June 16, the first of the six-day event.
He told the pastoral agents that “our call to love must extend beyond mere words. It must manifest in action that contributes to healing and respiration.”
“As we embark on this journey of rebuilding, let us commit ourselves to embracing the marginalized, advocating for justice, and promoting an ethos of love,” Cardinal Ameyu said.
