“BC stands for peace, humility and justice and will not sacrifice its dignity and truth to corrupt leadership wherever they are,” the Bari community leadership has concluded in their statement copied to media houses in the world’s youngest nation.
Meanwhile, in addition to Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) that brings together heads of dioceses in Sudan and South Sudan, the appointment of Bishop Ameyu as the Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese has the full support of his native community members, the Ma’di, as expressed by the leadership of the Torit-based association in its December 17 message seen by ACI Africa.
“Your Lordship the Most Rev. Stephen Martin Ameyu Mulla, we, the Ma’di community of Torit state, congratulate you on your appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba,” the Acting Chairperson of Ma’di Community, Koma John Silvester stated at the diocesan conference hall in Torit December 17.
The leadership added, “We are confident that your spiritual leadership will promote the ecumenical endeavours of the Catholic Church in South Sudan at this time of national distress.”
Responding to members of his native tribe, the Archbishop-elect said, “The Lord is choosing me to take another bigger cross, which I am unable to carry, I know it, but because of the will of God, I have accepted to carry this cross.”
(Story continues below)
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In an exclusive interview with ACI Africa, the Archbishop-elect described the Papal appointment as part of the mysteries in his own life.
“Our life is a mystery; I have never thought that I was going to be a Bishop of Torit Diocese; now I have been a Bishop of Torit Diocese for eight months,” the South Sudanese Prelate told ACI Africa and added, “I have never also thought of being elevated to the Archbishop of Juba Archdiocese but I see myself again going there.”
“It is not my choice but it is the choice of God and in obedient to God and in obedient to the Vicar of Christ, Holy Father Pope Francis, I have accepted this difficult task,” the Archbishop-elect said told ACI Africa in the December 13 interview, a day after his appointment was made public.
He added, “I think God is the one directing me, I don’t have any control in that thing, in that job, it is the job of God and I am really thankful to those who have given me confidence for this appointment.”
ACI Africa correspondent in South Sudan, Peter Mapuor Makur contributed to this story