Please take NOTE of our new SCBRC Web page at http://scbrc.net
This web page compliments our SCBRC Blogspot at http://scbrc-secretariate.blogspot.com
We thank the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for both the blogspot and the web page of the SCBRC. In particular we thank Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI, the acting SCBRC web master and Most Rev. Wilhelm Steckling, OMI Superior General for his generous gift of web domain and assistance in launching the same web page.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Bangoye
SCBRC Secretary General
30 March 2007
South Sudan's Challenge
Healing & Reconciliation
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Special Operation Appeal for the Sudan...
SOA stands for Special Operation Appeal. This was a specific emergency appeal response for assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and Returnees into Sudan from neighbouring countries. The Bishops made this appeal in February, 2005, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005. The appeal is implemented in three phases.
Phase 1: initial emergency relief of household kits, food, emergency medical supplies and mobile primary health services; repair, rehabilitation and development of community water supplies.
Phase 2 – agricultural support for first planting season and emergency relief comprising of agricultural tool, local crops and vegetable seeds.
Phase 3 – Livelihood recovery and disaster cycle management.
Accomplishments:
• Fund-raising and lobbying for the support of SCBRC departments by funding partners;
• Facilitating on-the-job training of SCBRC staff;
• Training of diocesan administrators in office and project management
• Facilitating better communication between dioceses and the international partners through provision of e-mail
• Helping 19 students complete their university and college education during the 2005/2006 period
• Assisting dioceses to establish social development services offices
• Encouraging linkages between SCBRC departments
Hopes and Desires
• We wish Sudan to be a peaceful country so that development efforts can be enhanced
• That patience prevails so that careless mistakes are not made in development practices
Phase 1: initial emergency relief of household kits, food, emergency medical supplies and mobile primary health services; repair, rehabilitation and development of community water supplies.
Phase 2 – agricultural support for first planting season and emergency relief comprising of agricultural tool, local crops and vegetable seeds.
Phase 3 – Livelihood recovery and disaster cycle management.
Accomplishments:
• Fund-raising and lobbying for the support of SCBRC departments by funding partners;
• Facilitating on-the-job training of SCBRC staff;
• Training of diocesan administrators in office and project management
• Facilitating better communication between dioceses and the international partners through provision of e-mail
• Helping 19 students complete their university and college education during the 2005/2006 period
• Assisting dioceses to establish social development services offices
• Encouraging linkages between SCBRC departments
Hopes and Desires
• We wish Sudan to be a peaceful country so that development efforts can be enhanced
• That patience prevails so that careless mistakes are not made in development practices
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
St. Martin Congregation Celebrates Golden Jubilee in South Sudan
St. Martin congregation celebrates Golden Jubilee in South Sudan
Monday 26 March 2007 02:30.
By Isaac Vuni
March 25, 2007 (JUBA) — The Catholic Archbishop of Juba diocese, Rev.
Paulino Lokudu Loroo said Christians of southern Sudan particularly in
Juba, should thank God for the gift of St Martin de Porres, religious
congregation that has dedicated themselves in availing vocational
training and teaching of youth and women empowerment at all levels.
As we celebrate the golden jubilee, we are proud to have among us the
first southern Sudanese St. Martin de Porres religious Brother who
hails from Kapoeta Noth County of eastern Equatoria state, Rev. Bro.
Agusto Lopeta, born in 1922 and too his first religious vow on March
19th 1975 along with other four southern Sudanese at Okaru.
We should thank God for this gift of vocation through St. Martin
brothers. He challenges all Christians to be witness of Christ wharves
they may be to prove themselves by being proactive Christians.
He was speaking at the celebrate marking the fifty year of St. Martin
de Porrous Brothers, catholic religious congregation, whose lifestyle
are surrounded with vows of poverty that makes them to be poor as
Jesus Christ, chastity makes them to be chase as Jesus Charist and
obedience makes them to be obedient as Jesus Charist and hence they
became the rock of poorer people especially among southern Sudanese
during the dark era of National Islamic led government of Omar Hassan
el Bashir.
Nevertheless, the Catholic Diocese of Yei bishop, Rev. Erkulano Lodu
Tombe says the Almighty God is full of Marcy, love and forgiveness to
all humanity therefore would avail itself at any center of Christian's
celebrations at any time. That is why we are celebrating the golden
jubilee of the congregation at a time when southern Sudan is
experiencing relative peace.
Bishop Tombe appeals to suspected corrupt government officials that
might be contemplating to commit suicide in order to end their life
because of shame and fears of going to prison to seek solace with God.
(Rev. Bro. Agusto Lopeta, renewing his50 years of religious vows today
at st Teresa Cathedral Kator Juba pic by Isaac Vuni)
He says God loves all his creatures and willing to receive them
irrespective of crimes they might have committed. Therefore apple to
such people to refrain from evil thoughts and instead confessed their
sins and God will forgive them.
He further said corruption and injustice are cardinal sins that
Christians should refrain from, especially looting their own resources
that render developmental services to all southern Sudanese.
Bishop Tombe also appeals to those civil servants who are entrusted to
take care of public fund to be responsible and apply the norm of
transparency and be accountable to the people because whatever they
are getting are in the name of the people of southern Sudan including
church personnel.
"It's better for them to confess their sins and they will be forgiven
by southern Sudanese people and the Almighty God", pleaded Bishop
Tombe.
He urges all southern Sudanese Christians not to abundant business
management because he said it's the sound basis for economy
empowerment of southern Sudanese. The bishop further rule out
allegation that Catholic are running away from politic, rather, its
part en parcel of humanity, therefore, it would be naïve for anyone to
think of that.
Bishop Lodu declared that that individual who wants to swallow public
funds are murders.
If they are people who have southern Sudan in their hearts, the better
be advised to repents than running away ,otherwise, they are not the
true sons of southern Sudan, he cautions.
The Bishop caution came at a time when some five senior government
officials of southern Sudan are arrested on cases related to
corruption with some involved in smuggling money to neighboring
countries.
On the other hand, archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loroo, the main
celebrant, pleaded to Almighty God, "What do you now wants of St.
Martin brothers congregation who have, in our natural eyes,
accomplished 50 years of service to the people centered on their vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience among southern Sudanese and
Ugandan?, he questioned.
We should thank God for the gift of St. Martin congregation in
southern Sudan particularly in the archdiocese of Juba where they are
involved in various promotional activities for the youth and women
empowerment. In southern Sudan, there are tow brothers congregations,
St. Martin Brothers based in Juba and St. Joseph Brothers based in
Wau. Lord gives them more strength and wisdom to continue serving our
people, he concluded. (Members of St. Martin Brothers at St. Teresa
Kator Cthedral renewing their religious vows to day, pic by Isaac
Vuni)
The congregation was founded by late bishop Sisto Mazzoldi. Currently
the community has 50 professed brothers serving in various parts of
catholic Archdiocese of Juba and Mpigi district in Uganda .The
brothers are mould in taking oath of obedience, poverty, charity,
chastity, humility and bringing joy and faith to people.
The occasion was witness by Major General Peter Cirilo, member of
State Council of minister at government of national Unity Khartoum,
Justice Ambro Riink Think, chief Justice of southern Sudan ,deputy
governor of eastern equatoria state, Allan Locurh, minister of health
,state of central equatoria ,cabinet ministers and hundreds of
thousands faithful Christians. As I file this report, the colorful
celebration is going on t St. Teresa cathedral Juba.
Monday 26 March 2007 02:30.
By Isaac Vuni
March 25, 2007 (JUBA) — The Catholic Archbishop of Juba diocese, Rev.
Paulino Lokudu Loroo said Christians of southern Sudan particularly in
Juba, should thank God for the gift of St Martin de Porres, religious
congregation that has dedicated themselves in availing vocational
training and teaching of youth and women empowerment at all levels.
As we celebrate the golden jubilee, we are proud to have among us the
first southern Sudanese St. Martin de Porres religious Brother who
hails from Kapoeta Noth County of eastern Equatoria state, Rev. Bro.
Agusto Lopeta, born in 1922 and too his first religious vow on March
19th 1975 along with other four southern Sudanese at Okaru.
We should thank God for this gift of vocation through St. Martin
brothers. He challenges all Christians to be witness of Christ wharves
they may be to prove themselves by being proactive Christians.
He was speaking at the celebrate marking the fifty year of St. Martin
de Porrous Brothers, catholic religious congregation, whose lifestyle
are surrounded with vows of poverty that makes them to be poor as
Jesus Christ, chastity makes them to be chase as Jesus Charist and
obedience makes them to be obedient as Jesus Charist and hence they
became the rock of poorer people especially among southern Sudanese
during the dark era of National Islamic led government of Omar Hassan
el Bashir.
Nevertheless, the Catholic Diocese of Yei bishop, Rev. Erkulano Lodu
Tombe says the Almighty God is full of Marcy, love and forgiveness to
all humanity therefore would avail itself at any center of Christian's
celebrations at any time. That is why we are celebrating the golden
jubilee of the congregation at a time when southern Sudan is
experiencing relative peace.
Bishop Tombe appeals to suspected corrupt government officials that
might be contemplating to commit suicide in order to end their life
because of shame and fears of going to prison to seek solace with God.
(Rev. Bro. Agusto Lopeta, renewing his50 years of religious vows today
at st Teresa Cathedral Kator Juba pic by Isaac Vuni)
He says God loves all his creatures and willing to receive them
irrespective of crimes they might have committed. Therefore apple to
such people to refrain from evil thoughts and instead confessed their
sins and God will forgive them.
He further said corruption and injustice are cardinal sins that
Christians should refrain from, especially looting their own resources
that render developmental services to all southern Sudanese.
Bishop Tombe also appeals to those civil servants who are entrusted to
take care of public fund to be responsible and apply the norm of
transparency and be accountable to the people because whatever they
are getting are in the name of the people of southern Sudan including
church personnel.
"It's better for them to confess their sins and they will be forgiven
by southern Sudanese people and the Almighty God", pleaded Bishop
Tombe.
He urges all southern Sudanese Christians not to abundant business
management because he said it's the sound basis for economy
empowerment of southern Sudanese. The bishop further rule out
allegation that Catholic are running away from politic, rather, its
part en parcel of humanity, therefore, it would be naïve for anyone to
think of that.
Bishop Lodu declared that that individual who wants to swallow public
funds are murders.
If they are people who have southern Sudan in their hearts, the better
be advised to repents than running away ,otherwise, they are not the
true sons of southern Sudan, he cautions.
The Bishop caution came at a time when some five senior government
officials of southern Sudan are arrested on cases related to
corruption with some involved in smuggling money to neighboring
countries.
On the other hand, archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loroo, the main
celebrant, pleaded to Almighty God, "What do you now wants of St.
Martin brothers congregation who have, in our natural eyes,
accomplished 50 years of service to the people centered on their vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience among southern Sudanese and
Ugandan?, he questioned.
We should thank God for the gift of St. Martin congregation in
southern Sudan particularly in the archdiocese of Juba where they are
involved in various promotional activities for the youth and women
empowerment. In southern Sudan, there are tow brothers congregations,
St. Martin Brothers based in Juba and St. Joseph Brothers based in
Wau. Lord gives them more strength and wisdom to continue serving our
people, he concluded. (Members of St. Martin Brothers at St. Teresa
Kator Cthedral renewing their religious vows to day, pic by Isaac
Vuni)
The congregation was founded by late bishop Sisto Mazzoldi. Currently
the community has 50 professed brothers serving in various parts of
catholic Archdiocese of Juba and Mpigi district in Uganda .The
brothers are mould in taking oath of obedience, poverty, charity,
chastity, humility and bringing joy and faith to people.
The occasion was witness by Major General Peter Cirilo, member of
State Council of minister at government of national Unity Khartoum,
Justice Ambro Riink Think, chief Justice of southern Sudan ,deputy
governor of eastern equatoria state, Allan Locurh, minister of health
,state of central equatoria ,cabinet ministers and hundreds of
thousands faithful Christians. As I file this report, the colorful
celebration is going on t St. Teresa cathedral Juba.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Accepting and Facing the Challenge of HIV/AIDS in the Sudan
“The Sudan Catholic Bishops take strength from the determination of both AMECEA and SECAM to lead all the Sudanese faithful and people of good will into the full and compassionate awareness, care and accompaniment of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs)”
Just emerging from 21 years of war, Sudan is waking up to the reality of HIV and AIDS and the devastating effect the virus is having on development. Poverty is widespread.
Alcoholism, misinformation and lack of knowledge on the reality of HIV undermine the fight against the pandemic. Other root causes behind the rapid spread of the virus include such things as the cross-border movement of refugees, the internal displacement of families, the sexual abuse of children, the rape of women and girls, drug addiction and traditional and cultural practices such as wife inheritance and skin scarification. The virus that is causing AIDS is perhaps the greatest emergency facing the people of the Sudan at this time. It is also an emergency that is spreading silently.
Three years ago, the Catholic Church in the Sudan made a courageous decision to speak out about the HIV pandemic. “In war time, we did not pay attention to the risk of HIV and AIDS but now with the overcrowded situation of returnees and the migration of displaced people, we must exercise more awareness and greater prevention in order to keep this infection from spreading and becoming a merciless killer among the people.”
At the 15th AMECEA Plenary held in June 2005, the Bishops prioritised three areas in the struggle against HIV/AIDS:
• Provide leadership and commitment to the cause of HIV and AIDS,
• Foster partnerships to combat the disease, and
• Strengthen the organizational capacity of the Church.
Immediately after the AMECEA conference had ended, the Sudan Bishops held a plenary meeting at Namugongo, Kampala, Uganda and issued a pastoral Letter entitled: Compassionate Awareness, Care and Accompaniment of People Infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The Bishops outlined the task of the Church in Sudan in the following statement: “The Church as a mother and teacher assumes her responsibility about HIV and AIDS by requesting all pastoral agents to acquire full knowledge and awareness of the disease and become strongly motivated to face this struggle with an effective spiritual, moral and curative approach” .
They committed themselves to:
• Bring about a total change of attitude towards people infected and affected by the virus.
• Direct efforts to eradicate stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS.
• Play a major role in eradicating the damaging myths about the virus and challenge any social, religious, cultural and political practices which perpetuate stigma.
• Facilitate counselling, provide support and comfort to people living with HIV and AIDS through home-based care programmes and other initiatives.
• Encourage the practice of compassion, love, healing, reconciliation and hope, knowing that these bring great comfort to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES OF THE SUDAN BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE NATIONAL STRATEGY ON HIV AND AIDS.
The Catholic Church in the Sudan is in a unique position to respond to the reality of HIV and AIDS because of its threefold charism of being Teacher, Prophet and Servant.
As Teacher, the Church raises the awareness of HIV and AIDS among the people and strengthens their resolve and commitment to face the impact of HIV while proclaiming the full message of the prevention of the virus.
As Prophet, the Church stands beside those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and speaks out against any form of stigma and discrimination towards those living with HIV and AIDS. The Church also advocates for greater access to care and treatment and speaks up for those who are the most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in our communities. The Church asks Government and other Faith Leaders to ensure that the human and legal rights of those living with AIDS are fully respected and safeguarded.
As Servant, the Church through its pastoral ministry brings compassion, care, support and hope to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Church will continue to raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the people of Sudan. The Church will make further progress in developing a training programme both at national and diocesan level for church personnel and pastoral workers so that they can implement a committed response at the level of the parish community and the family.
The Bishops’ Conference will continue to advocate with Government leaders and International Donors for greater access to funding for the treatment of people living with AIDS. The Conference will also network with sister agencies within the CARITAS confederation and CIDSE for funding and support at the local level of each of the Dioceses. CAFOD is privileged to continue the partnership with the Sudan Bishops’ Conference in the further implementation and support of the national HIV and AIDS programme.
The Bishops will appoint a “focal person” in each of the Dioceses to coordinate the HIV response at Diocesan level. This focal person will ensure that the Diocesan programme is community based, and that it collaborates and communicates with other activities within the Diocese, with other local NGOs and FBOs and particularly with local and national government strategies and initiatives. O
ne of these initiatives could be the drive to establish Local Voluntary Counseling and HIV Testing Centres. VCT Centres, managed by trained staff, can go a long way in enabling men and women to know their HIV status, and in supporting their efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus and, where necessary, seek care and treatment. Where feasible, the Church could contribute to this initiative by offering adequate training in the provision of pre and post-test counseling.
Increased efforts will be made among our people in the local communities of the Dioceses to build up a strong volunteer base at parish level to enable greater care and support for those infected and affected by the virus. Similar efforts will be made to welcome the involvement of people living with HIV and AIDS in the development and implementation of the HIV programme at the level of the local community, parish and diocese.
Just emerging from 21 years of war, Sudan is waking up to the reality of HIV and AIDS and the devastating effect the virus is having on development. Poverty is widespread.
Alcoholism, misinformation and lack of knowledge on the reality of HIV undermine the fight against the pandemic. Other root causes behind the rapid spread of the virus include such things as the cross-border movement of refugees, the internal displacement of families, the sexual abuse of children, the rape of women and girls, drug addiction and traditional and cultural practices such as wife inheritance and skin scarification. The virus that is causing AIDS is perhaps the greatest emergency facing the people of the Sudan at this time. It is also an emergency that is spreading silently.
Three years ago, the Catholic Church in the Sudan made a courageous decision to speak out about the HIV pandemic. “In war time, we did not pay attention to the risk of HIV and AIDS but now with the overcrowded situation of returnees and the migration of displaced people, we must exercise more awareness and greater prevention in order to keep this infection from spreading and becoming a merciless killer among the people.”
At the 15th AMECEA Plenary held in June 2005, the Bishops prioritised three areas in the struggle against HIV/AIDS:
• Provide leadership and commitment to the cause of HIV and AIDS,
• Foster partnerships to combat the disease, and
• Strengthen the organizational capacity of the Church.
Immediately after the AMECEA conference had ended, the Sudan Bishops held a plenary meeting at Namugongo, Kampala, Uganda and issued a pastoral Letter entitled: Compassionate Awareness, Care and Accompaniment of People Infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The Bishops outlined the task of the Church in Sudan in the following statement: “The Church as a mother and teacher assumes her responsibility about HIV and AIDS by requesting all pastoral agents to acquire full knowledge and awareness of the disease and become strongly motivated to face this struggle with an effective spiritual, moral and curative approach” .
They committed themselves to:
• Bring about a total change of attitude towards people infected and affected by the virus.
• Direct efforts to eradicate stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS.
• Play a major role in eradicating the damaging myths about the virus and challenge any social, religious, cultural and political practices which perpetuate stigma.
• Facilitate counselling, provide support and comfort to people living with HIV and AIDS through home-based care programmes and other initiatives.
• Encourage the practice of compassion, love, healing, reconciliation and hope, knowing that these bring great comfort to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES OF THE SUDAN BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE NATIONAL STRATEGY ON HIV AND AIDS.
The Catholic Church in the Sudan is in a unique position to respond to the reality of HIV and AIDS because of its threefold charism of being Teacher, Prophet and Servant.
As Teacher, the Church raises the awareness of HIV and AIDS among the people and strengthens their resolve and commitment to face the impact of HIV while proclaiming the full message of the prevention of the virus.
As Prophet, the Church stands beside those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and speaks out against any form of stigma and discrimination towards those living with HIV and AIDS. The Church also advocates for greater access to care and treatment and speaks up for those who are the most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in our communities. The Church asks Government and other Faith Leaders to ensure that the human and legal rights of those living with AIDS are fully respected and safeguarded.
As Servant, the Church through its pastoral ministry brings compassion, care, support and hope to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Church will continue to raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the people of Sudan. The Church will make further progress in developing a training programme both at national and diocesan level for church personnel and pastoral workers so that they can implement a committed response at the level of the parish community and the family.
The Bishops’ Conference will continue to advocate with Government leaders and International Donors for greater access to funding for the treatment of people living with AIDS. The Conference will also network with sister agencies within the CARITAS confederation and CIDSE for funding and support at the local level of each of the Dioceses. CAFOD is privileged to continue the partnership with the Sudan Bishops’ Conference in the further implementation and support of the national HIV and AIDS programme.
The Bishops will appoint a “focal person” in each of the Dioceses to coordinate the HIV response at Diocesan level. This focal person will ensure that the Diocesan programme is community based, and that it collaborates and communicates with other activities within the Diocese, with other local NGOs and FBOs and particularly with local and national government strategies and initiatives. O
ne of these initiatives could be the drive to establish Local Voluntary Counseling and HIV Testing Centres. VCT Centres, managed by trained staff, can go a long way in enabling men and women to know their HIV status, and in supporting their efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus and, where necessary, seek care and treatment. Where feasible, the Church could contribute to this initiative by offering adequate training in the provision of pre and post-test counseling.
Increased efforts will be made among our people in the local communities of the Dioceses to build up a strong volunteer base at parish level to enable greater care and support for those infected and affected by the virus. Similar efforts will be made to welcome the involvement of people living with HIV and AIDS in the development and implementation of the HIV programme at the level of the local community, parish and diocese.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
General Assembly of All SCBRC Personnel...
The 1st General Assembly (GA) for all SCBRC Personnel for the year 2007 took place on Wednesday, 21st March. The GA began with a prayer service sponsored by the Finance Department and a benediction by the Secretary General, Fr. Anthony Bangoye.
The first item in the agenda was the update on the Secretariat’s move to Juba. The donor partners that pledged to assist in the move have begun remitting their commitments. Trocaire, CAFOD and Caritas Italiana have already done so and the other partners are doing their best to do likewise.
Once the SCBRC will have on hand a substantial amount for the move to Juba, detailed plan and program of actions will be finalized and published. While waiting for this, the SCBRC counsels patience and prayer for the smooth transfer of the Secretariat to Juba.
The next in the agenda were the reports of each department. Three departments have recently concluded their consultation and workshops. The HIV/AIDS Department conducted a Training Workshop for South Sudan Focal Persons in Entebbe. The workshop produced an important document called the Entebbe Strategies that will be the guidelines for the work of the department and the focal persons in the dioceses. (We shall publish this document with photos of the Entebbe Workshop on HIV/AIDS)
The third item was the workshop is the Justice and Peace Training of Trainers Workshop held in Rumbek. The report of this workshop including photos was published in the blogspot earlier.
The fourth report came from the Development & Education Department. It conducted a consultation meeting in Juba on how to properly disburse the donation from the Italian Episcopal Conference supporting each diocese in the Sudan to have kindergarten and primary education program. It was also noted that the Government of South Sudan has begun paying the salary of the staff in accredited non-government schools.
The final portion of the meeting focused on operational systems that need to be followed by all the departments. The systems are already in place and the appropriate forms are available. Some of these forms cover travel plans, advances, use of vehicles and other requests that need the approval of the General Secretary. The policy on liquidation of expenses within a week upon return to the office is requested by the Finance Department. Here will be no release of new money to the department unless the proper liquidation of the previous release has been accomplished and approved by the duly designated authority.
The General Secretary reminds all that the Wednesday Prayer Service is for ALL. In many ways, the prayer service is our collective identity as mission partners of the Sudan Catholic Bishops. No one should absent himself/herself from the prayer service without reasonable cause.
The Assembly ended by a special benediction of Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI who is accompanying the SCBRC for three months in capacity building.
The first item in the agenda was the update on the Secretariat’s move to Juba. The donor partners that pledged to assist in the move have begun remitting their commitments. Trocaire, CAFOD and Caritas Italiana have already done so and the other partners are doing their best to do likewise.
Once the SCBRC will have on hand a substantial amount for the move to Juba, detailed plan and program of actions will be finalized and published. While waiting for this, the SCBRC counsels patience and prayer for the smooth transfer of the Secretariat to Juba.
The next in the agenda were the reports of each department. Three departments have recently concluded their consultation and workshops. The HIV/AIDS Department conducted a Training Workshop for South Sudan Focal Persons in Entebbe. The workshop produced an important document called the Entebbe Strategies that will be the guidelines for the work of the department and the focal persons in the dioceses. (We shall publish this document with photos of the Entebbe Workshop on HIV/AIDS)
The third item was the workshop is the Justice and Peace Training of Trainers Workshop held in Rumbek. The report of this workshop including photos was published in the blogspot earlier.
The fourth report came from the Development & Education Department. It conducted a consultation meeting in Juba on how to properly disburse the donation from the Italian Episcopal Conference supporting each diocese in the Sudan to have kindergarten and primary education program. It was also noted that the Government of South Sudan has begun paying the salary of the staff in accredited non-government schools.
The final portion of the meeting focused on operational systems that need to be followed by all the departments. The systems are already in place and the appropriate forms are available. Some of these forms cover travel plans, advances, use of vehicles and other requests that need the approval of the General Secretary. The policy on liquidation of expenses within a week upon return to the office is requested by the Finance Department. Here will be no release of new money to the department unless the proper liquidation of the previous release has been accomplished and approved by the duly designated authority.
The General Secretary reminds all that the Wednesday Prayer Service is for ALL. In many ways, the prayer service is our collective identity as mission partners of the Sudan Catholic Bishops. No one should absent himself/herself from the prayer service without reasonable cause.
The Assembly ended by a special benediction of Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI who is accompanying the SCBRC for three months in capacity building.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Role of the SCBRC...
Since 1997, SCBRC has been assuming different roles according to the emerging needs of the time. At one time SCBRC put more emphasis on relief assistance because the situation dictated it. At other times, SCBRC concentrated on financial support for scholarships of higher studies. The justice and peace department, pastoral and communications departments have marched on steadily but with many problems mainly caused lack of linkages with the partner dioceses and inadequate funding. The development department suffered a major lack of funding during the period of 2005 and 2006 but was saved by the SOA-12, 2005 emergency funding. The HIV and AIDS has been the most steady of all the departments.
It can be stated that SCBRC has not yet consciously developed a unifying role so that it can be of assistance to the dioceses. The structure of departmentalization needs to be re-examined and a more team approach arrangement be put forward for effective capacity building in the dioceses. Despite all the constraints and challenges, SCBRC has worked tirelessly to correct the many managerial and financial mistakes it had inherited from 2002 to 2005. Credit must be given to the SCBRC Accompannier/ Advisor who has injected many ideas on institutional and financial control to all the departments. In 2006, through the emergency program experiences, SCBRC is now shaping its role into the following aspects:
1. developing effective working relationship and partnerships with the dioceses;
2. playing the role of creating and establishing relevant linkages, sharing experiences and information with dioceses and also availing platforms for inter-diocesan round-table discussions;
3. advocating and lobbying for the support of church programs in dioceses by the Caritas Family and CIDSE;
4. offering chances for the training of diocesan staff; and
5. assisting dioceses to develop partnerships with relevant NGO’S and CBO;
It can be stated that SCBRC has not yet consciously developed a unifying role so that it can be of assistance to the dioceses. The structure of departmentalization needs to be re-examined and a more team approach arrangement be put forward for effective capacity building in the dioceses. Despite all the constraints and challenges, SCBRC has worked tirelessly to correct the many managerial and financial mistakes it had inherited from 2002 to 2005. Credit must be given to the SCBRC Accompannier/ Advisor who has injected many ideas on institutional and financial control to all the departments. In 2006, through the emergency program experiences, SCBRC is now shaping its role into the following aspects:
1. developing effective working relationship and partnerships with the dioceses;
2. playing the role of creating and establishing relevant linkages, sharing experiences and information with dioceses and also availing platforms for inter-diocesan round-table discussions;
3. advocating and lobbying for the support of church programs in dioceses by the Caritas Family and CIDSE;
4. offering chances for the training of diocesan staff; and
5. assisting dioceses to develop partnerships with relevant NGO’S and CBO;
Monday, March 19, 2007
JP Training of Trainers Workshop for South Sudan
The SCBRC Justice and Peace Department organized a Training of Trainers’ Workshop from the 5th to the 15th of March, 2007. The workshop took place at Pan Door, Rumbek and was attended by participants from six Catholic Dioceses of El Obeid, Malakal, Rumbek, Torit, Tombura-Yambio, and Wau. The Archdiocese of Juba and the diocese of Yei were not able to send their participants. It was the first time that the dioceses of El Obeid and Malakal were teaming up the dioceses under SCBRC to do training on Justice and Peace.
Present also were, United Nation Mission in Sudan (UNIMIS) Civil Affairs and Human Rights Departments, and a team from the Judiciary of Southern Sudan who shared their mandate and experiences with the participants.
The major objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the dioceses in responding to Justice and Peace issues after the signing of the CPA. It also had the aim of fostering closer cooperation between SCBRC and the dioceses, ensuring quality and timely reports from the dioceses and SCBRC.
The participants were trained on a number of areas including, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Social Reconstruction of Southern Sudan, Healing and Reconciliation, Human Rights, Advocacy and Networking, Formation and strengthening of Justice and Peace Committees, Report writing and organizing workshops.
The workshop was facilitated by the following people:
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI, consultant on Peace Agreements, Reconstruction, Healing and Reconciliation (JPIC Rome & Philippines).
Donough Ryan, Regional Advocacy Officer, Trocaire.
Julius Ojok, Lawyer, Justice and Peace Coordinator, SCBRC.
Dinah Makori, Administrative Assistant SCBRC
The team also had the benefit of great presentations and sharing from John Ashworth and a team of youth from the dioceses of Witbank and Cape Town, South Africa.
(The workshop was funded by SCBRC Partner, the Caritas Ireland – Trocair
Present also were, United Nation Mission in Sudan (UNIMIS) Civil Affairs and Human Rights Departments, and a team from the Judiciary of Southern Sudan who shared their mandate and experiences with the participants.
The major objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the dioceses in responding to Justice and Peace issues after the signing of the CPA. It also had the aim of fostering closer cooperation between SCBRC and the dioceses, ensuring quality and timely reports from the dioceses and SCBRC.
The participants were trained on a number of areas including, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Social Reconstruction of Southern Sudan, Healing and Reconciliation, Human Rights, Advocacy and Networking, Formation and strengthening of Justice and Peace Committees, Report writing and organizing workshops.
The workshop was facilitated by the following people:
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI, consultant on Peace Agreements, Reconstruction, Healing and Reconciliation (JPIC Rome & Philippines).
Donough Ryan, Regional Advocacy Officer, Trocaire.
Julius Ojok, Lawyer, Justice and Peace Coordinator, SCBRC.
Dinah Makori, Administrative Assistant SCBRC
The team also had the benefit of great presentations and sharing from John Ashworth and a team of youth from the dioceses of Witbank and Cape Town, South Africa.
(The workshop was funded by SCBRC Partner, the Caritas Ireland – Trocair
The SCBRC Pastoral Department
Goal: The goal of Pastoral department is to promote holistic and deeper evangelization repeatedly recommended by the Hierarchy (Bishops of SCBRC) and requested by the new ecclesial-social-political Sudanese reality, stressing the holistic human approach both to individuals and society. This goal will be achieved through:-
1. Working in the guidance of the Secretary General (Fr Anthony Bangoye) and with other departments.
2. Working in consultation with the Bishop Chairman (H.L. Caesar Mazzolari) of the pastoral department.
3. Exchanging pastoral information and material with other Pastoral Centers - locally and internationally.
4. Organizing Pastoral Coordinator’s meetings, capacity building workshops, catechist trainings,
5. SCBRC Pastoral Coordinator visiting the dioceses.
6. Pastoral Bulletins.
7. Training of Sudanese Pastoral Agents, locally, inter-diocesan and through international LUMKO courses, which have been held.
8. Ongoing Formation of Pastoral Agents (the department has scheduled some).
9. Assisting the Diocesan Pastoral offices with materials like; initial equipments, video deck, sound system, TV, video cassettes, textbooks on pastoral education. (this has been done)
10. Facilitating HIV/AIDS awareness in South Sudan in coordination with other NGOs. There is need to train the pastoral personnel for a positive integration.
Objectives: Support to the pastoral diocesan coordinators both for structures (Diocesan office-material) and contents (catechetical, liturgical books videos etc) in order to be effective in their ministry. The SCBRC Pastoral Department will work with the Diocesan pastoral coordinators in:-
1. Improving the organization and functioning of the “local pastoral office” structure
2. Advancing ongoing formation, skills and basic instruments for the ministry of pastoral agents.
3. Promoting effective methods of evangelization through SCCs (Small Christian Communities) and to foster inculturation processes within the dioceses as spelled out by the African Synod.
4. Ensuring a holistic approach in pastoral activities, keeping in mind that “whatever is truly human is Christian.
1. Working in the guidance of the Secretary General (Fr Anthony Bangoye) and with other departments.
2. Working in consultation with the Bishop Chairman (H.L. Caesar Mazzolari) of the pastoral department.
3. Exchanging pastoral information and material with other Pastoral Centers - locally and internationally.
4. Organizing Pastoral Coordinator’s meetings, capacity building workshops, catechist trainings,
5. SCBRC Pastoral Coordinator visiting the dioceses.
6. Pastoral Bulletins.
7. Training of Sudanese Pastoral Agents, locally, inter-diocesan and through international LUMKO courses, which have been held.
8. Ongoing Formation of Pastoral Agents (the department has scheduled some).
9. Assisting the Diocesan Pastoral offices with materials like; initial equipments, video deck, sound system, TV, video cassettes, textbooks on pastoral education. (this has been done)
10. Facilitating HIV/AIDS awareness in South Sudan in coordination with other NGOs. There is need to train the pastoral personnel for a positive integration.
Objectives: Support to the pastoral diocesan coordinators both for structures (Diocesan office-material) and contents (catechetical, liturgical books videos etc) in order to be effective in their ministry. The SCBRC Pastoral Department will work with the Diocesan pastoral coordinators in:-
1. Improving the organization and functioning of the “local pastoral office” structure
2. Advancing ongoing formation, skills and basic instruments for the ministry of pastoral agents.
3. Promoting effective methods of evangelization through SCCs (Small Christian Communities) and to foster inculturation processes within the dioceses as spelled out by the African Synod.
4. Ensuring a holistic approach in pastoral activities, keeping in mind that “whatever is truly human is Christian.
Latest Update on the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) and its Impact in South Sudan...
Ugandan rebels say will restart talks in South Sudan
Friday 16 March 2007 10:41.
March 16, 2007 (KAMPALA) — Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)
rebels said on Friday they would return to peace talks in south Sudan
if the government there increased security to keep the Ugandan army
from attacking them.
The rebels quit talks with Uganda in the south Sudanese capital, Juba,
in January, denting hopes for an end to two decades of bloodshed in
northern Uganda.
"There is now a willingness to go back to Juba," LRA spokesman Obonyo
Olweny told Reuters by telephone. "We are just waiting for a response
from southern Sudan."
The LRA said they pulled out fearing for their security after Sudanese
President Omar al-Bashir threatened them.
The change of heart follows a trip on Sunday by the U.N. envoy for the
conflict, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, to talk with
fugitive rebel leader, Joseph Kony.
This week, Uganda said it had wooed LRA delegates back on promises of
adding mediators from African countries besides south Sudan.
The insurgency led by guerrillas notorious for mutilating victims and
kidnapping children has killed thousands of Ugandan civilians and
displaced nearly 2 million people.
Olweny said the promise to expand the mediators to include five other
countries — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo — satisfied the LRA.
But the LRA demanded better security for their negotiators in Juba and
their fighters scattered in south Sudan and on the Sudan/Congo border.
"If those concerns are addressed, we can go back," he said.
The LRA accuses the Ugandan army of ambushing their fighters in Sudan.
An August truce between the two sides expired last month with no
renewal.
"They (Uganda) should pull their troops out of Sudan. Only when the
last troop crosses back to Uganda can we have peace," Olweny said. He
said that was not necessarily a pre-condition of talks restarting.
The army insists it will stay in Sudan to monitor the LRA. (Reuters)
(This is a forward by John Ashworth)
Friday 16 March 2007 10:41.
March 16, 2007 (KAMPALA) — Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)
rebels said on Friday they would return to peace talks in south Sudan
if the government there increased security to keep the Ugandan army
from attacking them.
The rebels quit talks with Uganda in the south Sudanese capital, Juba,
in January, denting hopes for an end to two decades of bloodshed in
northern Uganda.
"There is now a willingness to go back to Juba," LRA spokesman Obonyo
Olweny told Reuters by telephone. "We are just waiting for a response
from southern Sudan."
The LRA said they pulled out fearing for their security after Sudanese
President Omar al-Bashir threatened them.
The change of heart follows a trip on Sunday by the U.N. envoy for the
conflict, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, to talk with
fugitive rebel leader, Joseph Kony.
This week, Uganda said it had wooed LRA delegates back on promises of
adding mediators from African countries besides south Sudan.
The insurgency led by guerrillas notorious for mutilating victims and
kidnapping children has killed thousands of Ugandan civilians and
displaced nearly 2 million people.
Olweny said the promise to expand the mediators to include five other
countries — Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo — satisfied the LRA.
But the LRA demanded better security for their negotiators in Juba and
their fighters scattered in south Sudan and on the Sudan/Congo border.
"If those concerns are addressed, we can go back," he said.
The LRA accuses the Ugandan army of ambushing their fighters in Sudan.
An August truce between the two sides expired last month with no
renewal.
"They (Uganda) should pull their troops out of Sudan. Only when the
last troop crosses back to Uganda can we have peace," Olweny said. He
said that was not necessarily a pre-condition of talks restarting.
The army insists it will stay in Sudan to monitor the LRA. (Reuters)
(This is a forward by John Ashworth)
Friday, March 16, 2007
FOCUS: DIOCESE OF RUMBEK
Capital of Buhirat (Lakes) State and headquarter of the Rumbek province.
1. Historical notes :
The territory of Rumbek Diocese reserved, under the colonial rule of zones of religious influence, to the Episcopalian Church; Catholic expatriate missionaries were not allowed in.
In 1995 a new Ap. Vicariate was created assigned to local clergy who were free to settle and operate freely. The first Sudanese Bishop, H.L. Ireneo Wien Dud, was at the head of the Vicariate.
03.07.1955 Apostolic Vicariate of Rumbek
12.12.1974 Diocese of Rumbeck, suffragan of Juba.
2. Extent : The diocese comprises the three provinces (Rumbek, Yirol, Chuoibet) of the Buhairat State, the two provinces (Warap, Tonj) of the Warap State.
- Pastoral situation : By a written understanding with Bishop of Wau, the communities of Wau Diocese beyond their reach are entrusted temporarily to the Ordinary of Rumbek ; Wau diocese supports with personnel and other resources according to availability. Practically the following areas are under the care of Rumbek Ordinary : North Bahr el Ghazal State (except for Aweil Town and along the railway) ; the provinces of Gogrial, Turalei and Apuk of Warap State ; all communities living 15-20 miles from Wau.
- Area : 56.318 sq. km. - Population : 1. 500.000 - Catholics : 125.000
3. Ordinary : H.E. Bishop Caesare Mazzolari, MCCJ, born at Brescia (Italy) 9.7.1937 ; ordained Priest 17.3.1962 ; appointed Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek in 1990, appointed Bishop on 21.11.1998, consecrated on 6.1.1999.
Address : P.O.B. 21102 Nairobi (Kenya) - Tél : 254/2/562247, 569130. fax + 254/2/566668 e-mail scio@maf.org
- Predecessors :
1955 - 1960 Bishop Ireneo Wien Dud, Apostolic Vicar
1960 - 1972 Msgr. Lino Tiboi. Aposotolic Administrator
1972 - 1975 Bishop Ireneo Wien Dud, Ap. Vicar of Wau, Apostolic Administrator
1975 - 1976 Bishop Gabriel Zubeir Wako
1976 - 1982 Bishop Gabriel Dwatuka
1982 - 1983 Archbishop Agostino Baroni, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator
1983 - 1990 V.Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pellerino, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator
1990 - Bishop Caesar Mazzolari, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator up to 1999, then
Bishop.
1. Historical notes :
The territory of Rumbek Diocese reserved, under the colonial rule of zones of religious influence, to the Episcopalian Church; Catholic expatriate missionaries were not allowed in.
In 1995 a new Ap. Vicariate was created assigned to local clergy who were free to settle and operate freely. The first Sudanese Bishop, H.L. Ireneo Wien Dud, was at the head of the Vicariate.
03.07.1955 Apostolic Vicariate of Rumbek
12.12.1974 Diocese of Rumbeck, suffragan of Juba.
2. Extent : The diocese comprises the three provinces (Rumbek, Yirol, Chuoibet) of the Buhairat State, the two provinces (Warap, Tonj) of the Warap State.
- Pastoral situation : By a written understanding with Bishop of Wau, the communities of Wau Diocese beyond their reach are entrusted temporarily to the Ordinary of Rumbek ; Wau diocese supports with personnel and other resources according to availability. Practically the following areas are under the care of Rumbek Ordinary : North Bahr el Ghazal State (except for Aweil Town and along the railway) ; the provinces of Gogrial, Turalei and Apuk of Warap State ; all communities living 15-20 miles from Wau.
- Area : 56.318 sq. km. - Population : 1. 500.000 - Catholics : 125.000
3. Ordinary : H.E. Bishop Caesare Mazzolari, MCCJ, born at Brescia (Italy) 9.7.1937 ; ordained Priest 17.3.1962 ; appointed Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek in 1990, appointed Bishop on 21.11.1998, consecrated on 6.1.1999.
Address : P.O.B. 21102 Nairobi (Kenya) - Tél : 254/2/562247, 569130. fax + 254/2/566668 e-mail scio@maf.org
- Predecessors :
1955 - 1960 Bishop Ireneo Wien Dud, Apostolic Vicar
1960 - 1972 Msgr. Lino Tiboi. Aposotolic Administrator
1972 - 1975 Bishop Ireneo Wien Dud, Ap. Vicar of Wau, Apostolic Administrator
1975 - 1976 Bishop Gabriel Zubeir Wako
1976 - 1982 Bishop Gabriel Dwatuka
1982 - 1983 Archbishop Agostino Baroni, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator
1983 - 1990 V.Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pellerino, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator
1990 - Bishop Caesar Mazzolari, MCCJ, Ap. Administrator up to 1999, then
Bishop.
Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference Statement on HIV/AIDS
We, the Catholic Bishops of Sudan, gathered at the Comboni Sisters’ Retreat Centre in Namugongo (Kampala – June 15th to the 24th – 2005) send our prayerful greetings to all the faithful in the Sudan from the land of the Uganda Martyrs.
Previous to our SCBC Plenary, we attended the 15th AMECEA Plenary Meeting in Mukono Kampala (June 5 – June 12-2005), which focused on the destructive consequences and detrimental scourge, which is HIV/AIDS. The AMECEA Bishops expressed their resolution with the words “the Good Samaritan, the Healing Christ”. It is a resolution to take notice of the struggling patients of HIV/AIDS and to assist them toward a positive life with the faithful compassion and love of the Samaritan.
The members of AMECEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa) actually adopted fully the HIV/AIDS plan of SECAM, the members of (Symposium Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar), who was promulgated in their XIII Plenary in 2003.
Motivated by both the AMECEA and SECAM determination about HIV/AIDS, we the Sudanese people, must also seriously consider our approach about this terrible pandemic. It is a crucial life-concern that is now engaging everyone in the African continent. Only a global concern and well-structured approach can cure our continent from this scourge. Our appeal therefore is directed to every sector of our christian population and to all people of good will for our land of Sudan.
Government Leaders
It is upon our political, civil and military leaders that falls a large amount of responsibility to curtail and cure the HIV/AIDS pandemic by proper education, hospitalisation and treatment of patients. We need urgently a proper behaviour change and vigilance to prevent promiscuity, licentious behaviour and excessive intake of alcohol in our society. Education and awareness programs must diligently be provided in all schools, educational centres, social groups, and wherever people can be publicly addressed.
Our government leaders should also facilitate the procuring of testing equipment and drug treatment. They should also provide availability of drug treatment free of cost for HIV/AIDS infected patients.
Common Concern
All members of our society must grow in the realization that everyone has a responsibility in preventing, caring and providing awareness about HIV/AIDS. The family is the most appropriate environment for proper education, discipline, and renewal of Christian values for our society as a whole. Families must overcome the traditional reserve to speak openly on sexual matters to prevent the evil of HIV/Aids on account of ignorance and shame. People must overcome the fear of undergoing blood tests, especially young people who are about to enter marriage to prevent regrets later in their marital life.
Each of our communities must become aware and create awareness as well as generate compassion and care for HIV/AIDS patients. In our social environment we must protect our youth and adults from places of entertainment and associations that are conducive to improper moral behaviour. Parents and teachers must instruct children from their tender age about the risk of this new disease.
The Role of the Church
The Church as mother and teacher assumes her responsibility about HIV/AIDS by requesting all pastoral agents to acquire full knowledge and awareness of the disease and become strongly motivated to face this struggle with an effective spiritual, moral and curative approach.
The Caring and Curing Approach
We must bring about a total change of attitude toward people infected and affected with the disease. Let us develop a Christian spirit of open ears and open arms for HIV/AIDS patients. Our efforts must be directed to eradicate stigma and discrimination. We should not avoid to associate with people suffering from this disease and we should not refer them with offensive names or language. This would increase their pain and depression. Instead we should facilitate counselling, providing services and comfort to HIV patients through home based care and other initiatives.
The church intends to play a major role in eradicating the damaging myths of stigma and will try to challenge any social, religious, cultural and political norms and practices, which perpetuate such stigma. As a mother, the church will encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to become actively involved in our local communities as resource persons in the struggle against the pandemic.
As a faithful teacher, the church must instruct and give support to the practice of the virtues of compassion, love, healing, reconciliation and hope, knowing that these are healing values for people suffering from this disease.
In war time we did not pay attention to the risk of HIV/AIDS, but now with the overcrowded situation of returnees and migration of displaced population, we must exercise more awareness and greater prevention in order to keep this infection from spreading and becoming a merciless killer among our people. We do not need this kind of war.
We invite NGO’s and Aid agencies personnel to extend their assistance in the prevention of this infection and in the treatment of people infected with HIV/AIDS. Their contribution of drugs, testing equipment and every kind of comprehensive curative action would be vital for the fight against this viral disease.
Message of hope
To all who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS we address a message of hope. “You can still live positively with AIDS”. The church will strive to sustain you in your difficult struggle both through the ministry of our pastoral agents as well as by creating in our health departments areas of comprehensive medical treatment, counselling programs and by encouraging your participation in self-help programs. We therefore encourage everyone to overcome fear and shame and come out to be tested and receive the necessary care and treatment. Life can go on positively for those who dare to join the life-serving program of HIV/AIDS.
In conclusion we would like to repeat the essential message, namely that faithfulness to your marriage partner and abstinence from sex for young and unmarried people are the surest ways to avoid infection from this viral disease. Through a deeper life of faith, nourished in prayer and the word of God, we can refill ourselves daily with the Spirit that gives us “power, love and self-control”.(2. Tim. 1,7)
In all things be a “good Samaritan in the image of the healing Christ”. “We do not cease praying for you and asking that you live in a manner worthy of the Lord and in every good work, strengthened with His power, for all endurance and patience, with joy, giving thanks to the Father. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1.9-14)”.
We salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The Catholic Bishops of Sudan
Previous to our SCBC Plenary, we attended the 15th AMECEA Plenary Meeting in Mukono Kampala (June 5 – June 12-2005), which focused on the destructive consequences and detrimental scourge, which is HIV/AIDS. The AMECEA Bishops expressed their resolution with the words “the Good Samaritan, the Healing Christ”. It is a resolution to take notice of the struggling patients of HIV/AIDS and to assist them toward a positive life with the faithful compassion and love of the Samaritan.
The members of AMECEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa) actually adopted fully the HIV/AIDS plan of SECAM, the members of (Symposium Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar), who was promulgated in their XIII Plenary in 2003.
Motivated by both the AMECEA and SECAM determination about HIV/AIDS, we the Sudanese people, must also seriously consider our approach about this terrible pandemic. It is a crucial life-concern that is now engaging everyone in the African continent. Only a global concern and well-structured approach can cure our continent from this scourge. Our appeal therefore is directed to every sector of our christian population and to all people of good will for our land of Sudan.
Government Leaders
It is upon our political, civil and military leaders that falls a large amount of responsibility to curtail and cure the HIV/AIDS pandemic by proper education, hospitalisation and treatment of patients. We need urgently a proper behaviour change and vigilance to prevent promiscuity, licentious behaviour and excessive intake of alcohol in our society. Education and awareness programs must diligently be provided in all schools, educational centres, social groups, and wherever people can be publicly addressed.
Our government leaders should also facilitate the procuring of testing equipment and drug treatment. They should also provide availability of drug treatment free of cost for HIV/AIDS infected patients.
Common Concern
All members of our society must grow in the realization that everyone has a responsibility in preventing, caring and providing awareness about HIV/AIDS. The family is the most appropriate environment for proper education, discipline, and renewal of Christian values for our society as a whole. Families must overcome the traditional reserve to speak openly on sexual matters to prevent the evil of HIV/Aids on account of ignorance and shame. People must overcome the fear of undergoing blood tests, especially young people who are about to enter marriage to prevent regrets later in their marital life.
Each of our communities must become aware and create awareness as well as generate compassion and care for HIV/AIDS patients. In our social environment we must protect our youth and adults from places of entertainment and associations that are conducive to improper moral behaviour. Parents and teachers must instruct children from their tender age about the risk of this new disease.
The Role of the Church
The Church as mother and teacher assumes her responsibility about HIV/AIDS by requesting all pastoral agents to acquire full knowledge and awareness of the disease and become strongly motivated to face this struggle with an effective spiritual, moral and curative approach.
The Caring and Curing Approach
We must bring about a total change of attitude toward people infected and affected with the disease. Let us develop a Christian spirit of open ears and open arms for HIV/AIDS patients. Our efforts must be directed to eradicate stigma and discrimination. We should not avoid to associate with people suffering from this disease and we should not refer them with offensive names or language. This would increase their pain and depression. Instead we should facilitate counselling, providing services and comfort to HIV patients through home based care and other initiatives.
The church intends to play a major role in eradicating the damaging myths of stigma and will try to challenge any social, religious, cultural and political norms and practices, which perpetuate such stigma. As a mother, the church will encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to become actively involved in our local communities as resource persons in the struggle against the pandemic.
As a faithful teacher, the church must instruct and give support to the practice of the virtues of compassion, love, healing, reconciliation and hope, knowing that these are healing values for people suffering from this disease.
In war time we did not pay attention to the risk of HIV/AIDS, but now with the overcrowded situation of returnees and migration of displaced population, we must exercise more awareness and greater prevention in order to keep this infection from spreading and becoming a merciless killer among our people. We do not need this kind of war.
We invite NGO’s and Aid agencies personnel to extend their assistance in the prevention of this infection and in the treatment of people infected with HIV/AIDS. Their contribution of drugs, testing equipment and every kind of comprehensive curative action would be vital for the fight against this viral disease.
Message of hope
To all who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS we address a message of hope. “You can still live positively with AIDS”. The church will strive to sustain you in your difficult struggle both through the ministry of our pastoral agents as well as by creating in our health departments areas of comprehensive medical treatment, counselling programs and by encouraging your participation in self-help programs. We therefore encourage everyone to overcome fear and shame and come out to be tested and receive the necessary care and treatment. Life can go on positively for those who dare to join the life-serving program of HIV/AIDS.
In conclusion we would like to repeat the essential message, namely that faithfulness to your marriage partner and abstinence from sex for young and unmarried people are the surest ways to avoid infection from this viral disease. Through a deeper life of faith, nourished in prayer and the word of God, we can refill ourselves daily with the Spirit that gives us “power, love and self-control”.(2. Tim. 1,7)
In all things be a “good Samaritan in the image of the healing Christ”. “We do not cease praying for you and asking that you live in a manner worthy of the Lord and in every good work, strengthened with His power, for all endurance and patience, with joy, giving thanks to the Father. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1.9-14)”.
We salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The Catholic Bishops of Sudan
SCBRC Vision, Mission & Values...
Vision: The SCBRC has the vision of transforming Sudan where all Sudanese will live as a people in a just and peaceful society built on the pillars of freedom, love, and mutual respect.
Mission: To help build the Kingdom of God among the Sudanese people by fostering among the dioceses Communication, Development, Pastoral, and Justice and Peace, by building local capacities in order to facilitate the realization of peoples potential to create a more humane society.
• Help the dioceses speak with one voice in matters of common concern and advocacy.
• Help facilitate diocesan and interdiocesan programs.
• Prepare background information, materials and analysis of the present social political situation in the Sudan and particularly the region where we work.
Values of the SCBRC
• Love shown by caring relationships
• Faith and Hope in the power of Jesus’ Resurrection
• Equality - Justice for all especially those who have been discriminated against and marginalized
• Respect and Reconciliation in situations of tension and conflict
Mission: To help build the Kingdom of God among the Sudanese people by fostering among the dioceses Communication, Development, Pastoral, and Justice and Peace, by building local capacities in order to facilitate the realization of peoples potential to create a more humane society.
• Help the dioceses speak with one voice in matters of common concern and advocacy.
• Help facilitate diocesan and interdiocesan programs.
• Prepare background information, materials and analysis of the present social political situation in the Sudan and particularly the region where we work.
Values of the SCBRC
• Love shown by caring relationships
• Faith and Hope in the power of Jesus’ Resurrection
• Equality - Justice for all especially those who have been discriminated against and marginalized
• Respect and Reconciliation in situations of tension and conflict
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