It ws hard to bid farewell to Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI who has become a near permanent "fixture" at the SCBRC Office. His smile and greetings as he walked in the Office every morning were the new wind that pervaded the office in the three months he spent with us.
The most appreciated contribution that Fr. Jun gave the SCBRC Office was his "accompaniment" of the Secretary General - Fr. Anthont Bangoye. Fr. Jun's stint in the office was a veritable partnership that was enhancing and empowering the potentials of both Fr. Anthony and the SCBRC personnel.
During his early stay with us, he accompanied the young Atty. Julius Ojok and Ms. Dina Kemunto of the Justice and Peace Department. Together they managed the J & P Training of Trainers Workshop in Rumbek, South Sudan. His specialty in peacemaking and Social Reconstruction were very much appreciated by the JP Coordinators form the 6 Dioceses of the South Sudan. During the said workshop, he also introduced his "healing" and energizing exercises to the delegates.
On the second month, he conducted an Effective Financial Management for key personnel in the Finance and Administration Departments with the participation of the Administration of the Diocese of Torit.
The last month of his stay was work spent for the Communications Department. He designed and launch three virtual platforms for the SCBRC: The Web Site at http://scbrc.net, the blogspot for the immediate press rleases of SCBRC at http://scbrc-secretariate.blogspot.com and the interactive forum on issues affecting the Sudan. he also trained the key staff for each department to manage and run the three virtual paltforms for the SCBRC.
We bid him farewell... wishing that he will soon be back to help SCBRC to re-locate itself in Juba.
South Sudan's Challenge
Healing & Reconciliation
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
SOA Evaluation Workshop
Nairobi, 18 May 2007. The Development Department of the SCBRC called for the evaluation of the SOA(Special Operation Appeal) Program in Sudan. The SOA is program meant to assist the dioceses in ministering to the internally displaced persons (IDP) who are returning home following the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
The Donors and the SCBRC called for workshop to evaluation the program. There is the urgent need to find out whether the program has achieved its objectives. The workshop provides effective information to the donors and the recipient dioceses, as well, on the progress of the program.
The participants representing the dioceses of Sudan came to Nairobi and actively participated in the said evaluation workshop. During the workshop the SOA external assessor presented the complete assessment report on the SOA activities.
The workshop is called to identify the steps forward for an effective implementation of the SOA program. It also aims to ensure effective collaboration between SCBRC, SCBC and local dioceses. Fr. Anthony SCBRC secretary general opened the workshop with prayer and inspirational talk. In his opening speech he thanked the participants and emphasized the need for the stakeholders to face the challenges in implementing the program.
For further information please contact the Development Department that manages the SOA Activities of the SCBRC at ikalur@scbrc.org)
(Alexander Musyoki – Communication Department)
The Donors and the SCBRC called for workshop to evaluation the program. There is the urgent need to find out whether the program has achieved its objectives. The workshop provides effective information to the donors and the recipient dioceses, as well, on the progress of the program.
The participants representing the dioceses of Sudan came to Nairobi and actively participated in the said evaluation workshop. During the workshop the SOA external assessor presented the complete assessment report on the SOA activities.
The workshop is called to identify the steps forward for an effective implementation of the SOA program. It also aims to ensure effective collaboration between SCBRC, SCBC and local dioceses. Fr. Anthony SCBRC secretary general opened the workshop with prayer and inspirational talk. In his opening speech he thanked the participants and emphasized the need for the stakeholders to face the challenges in implementing the program.
For further information please contact the Development Department that manages the SOA Activities of the SCBRC at ikalur@scbrc.org)
(Alexander Musyoki – Communication Department)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Special Appeal for your GENEROUS ASSISTANCE...
Dear friends & benefactors,
Greetings to you all wherever you may be, hoping that your weather conditions around your cities and continents are treating you well.
I am pleased to inform you that, after Eng. Charles Kisanga who and his family made their generous contribution of USD 200.00 towards the building of the New Cathedral in Yambio (Christ the King) and followed by Mr. John Dabi, former Minister of Finance of WES USD 100. Ms Mary V. Aurpai, has made her generous contribution of USD 100.00 for the above-mentioned purpose.
The Church appreciates very much of all those who have made their contributions and their names are already enrolled into the register of the contributors.
You have heard that the New Cathedral is estimated to be built at the cost of half-million US dollars. and at the moment, the Holy See has donated USD 200,000.00 and plus the contributions received amounts to USD 204,000.00 only.
The rest of the money is to be raised locally, and you can imagine the anxiousness of the Christian Community of WES who have been praying under trees for years. The door is still open for you to do something.
On the 29/04/007 I presided over the breaking of the ground in the presence of hundreds of Christians, priests, nuns and State Officials.
May the blessing of the Risen Lord be always with you...
Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite
Bishop of Tombura/Yambio
15 May 2007
Please remit your donation directly to the Bank Account indicated below:
Account Name: SCBRC Yambio
Account Numbers: 014304-021
Bank: Citibank NA, Kenya, Nairobi
Swift Code: CITIKENA
ABA Number 021000089
Greetings to you all wherever you may be, hoping that your weather conditions around your cities and continents are treating you well.
I am pleased to inform you that, after Eng. Charles Kisanga who and his family made their generous contribution of USD 200.00 towards the building of the New Cathedral in Yambio (Christ the King) and followed by Mr. John Dabi, former Minister of Finance of WES USD 100. Ms Mary V. Aurpai, has made her generous contribution of USD 100.00 for the above-mentioned purpose.
The Church appreciates very much of all those who have made their contributions and their names are already enrolled into the register of the contributors.
You have heard that the New Cathedral is estimated to be built at the cost of half-million US dollars. and at the moment, the Holy See has donated USD 200,000.00 and plus the contributions received amounts to USD 204,000.00 only.
The rest of the money is to be raised locally, and you can imagine the anxiousness of the Christian Community of WES who have been praying under trees for years. The door is still open for you to do something.
On the 29/04/007 I presided over the breaking of the ground in the presence of hundreds of Christians, priests, nuns and State Officials.
May the blessing of the Risen Lord be always with you...
Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite
Bishop of Tombura/Yambio
15 May 2007
Please remit your donation directly to the Bank Account indicated below:
Account Name: SCBRC Yambio
Account Numbers: 014304-021
Bank: Citibank NA, Kenya, Nairobi
Swift Code: CITIKENA
ABA Number 021000089
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
SCBRC's New Receptionist...
As you enter the SCBRC Office, the first person that you will meet is Christine Kanyua Mbiti or Christine for short. She is a new addition to the office vice Sabina Akeck who has moved back to South Sudan.
Christine is a smiling and friendly face that will greet you on you visit to the SCBRC Office.
She is an experienced secretary by profession and good in computer operations. She is self-motivated, goal driven, and abile to work under minimum supervision and pressure within time constraints. Her very endearing quality is her being a very good team player.
If you are interested to know her more, her hobbies are singing, reading novels, traveling and playing badminton.
Christine is a smiling and friendly face that will greet you on you visit to the SCBRC Office.
She is an experienced secretary by profession and good in computer operations. She is self-motivated, goal driven, and abile to work under minimum supervision and pressure within time constraints. Her very endearing quality is her being a very good team player.
If you are interested to know her more, her hobbies are singing, reading novels, traveling and playing badminton.
Introducing the new SCBRC Communications Officer-in-Charge
Alexander Musyoki is a graduate of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa(Langata Campus) in Nairobi. His specialization is sociology (major) and political science (minor).
His interest is to pursue masters in gender studies in order to have the required skills to ensure effective advocacy for women. This interest was shaped by the environment where he was brought up. "I was born and brought up within the context of the Akamba tradition where women were viewed as subjects".
The inequalities surrounding women in his village has shaped his strong commitment to gender equality. His dream is to ensure women empowerment through advocacy. This will be achieved through upgrading his research paper which is entitled “Socio-cultural and Economic factors that leads to persistence of poverty among the female headed-household’s: A Case Study of Katangi division in Machakos district” into a book.
"My intention as a graduate of Catholic University is to help the Catholic Church within the AMECEA region to empower women. I am interested to work with Catholic Church organization, because of the Missio scholarship that has enabled me to finish my studies."
"I am a devoted Catholic and will always remain a commited Catholic to set an example to others."
His interest is to pursue masters in gender studies in order to have the required skills to ensure effective advocacy for women. This interest was shaped by the environment where he was brought up. "I was born and brought up within the context of the Akamba tradition where women were viewed as subjects".
The inequalities surrounding women in his village has shaped his strong commitment to gender equality. His dream is to ensure women empowerment through advocacy. This will be achieved through upgrading his research paper which is entitled “Socio-cultural and Economic factors that leads to persistence of poverty among the female headed-household’s: A Case Study of Katangi division in Machakos district” into a book.
"My intention as a graduate of Catholic University is to help the Catholic Church within the AMECEA region to empower women. I am interested to work with Catholic Church organization, because of the Missio scholarship that has enabled me to finish my studies."
"I am a devoted Catholic and will always remain a commited Catholic to set an example to others."
Education for Life
The Catholic Educators in South Sudan gathered in Tombura/Yambio Diocese under the auspices of the SCBRC to see their roles in the re-construction of South Sudan post the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005. The Seminar-Workshop is called Education for life.
Friday, May 4, 2007
CEAS/CHAS Mid-term Review...
Juba, April 2007. The objective of the mid-term review was to asses the progress made in the programmatic development of Christian Health Association – Sudan as outlined in the strategic plan of 2006 – 2008. The review team was made up of Dr. Ankie van den Brook (IC Consultants – Netherlands), Dr. Jochen Bitzer(Difaem – Germany), Benson Oduor (PENSIL), Dr. Nathan Atem (Ministry of Health - GOSS) and Dr. Stephen Kuol (Ministry of Health - GOSS).
The process involved reading documents from the CHAS secretariat, namely, workshop reports, strategic plans, Technical Assistance reports among others. This was followed by a historical overview of the formation of CHAS and its vision, mission and objectives. The evaluation methodology involved data analysis of questionnaires sent by e-mail, one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, visits to the Ministry of Health head quarters, and rural health centres in Bor and Rumbek. At the end of the process there was a debriefing session. This gave an opportunity for the team to share with some stakeholders some of the findings and recommendations.
During the evaluation process several issues of interest to PENSIL arose, and these will be incorporated in the development of PENSIL. The working of the Government of South Sudan was also explained and the government’s relationship with the NGO sector in nation-building clarified. In addition, contact was made with people who could ber useful in furthering the interests of the church in education and PENSIL. We can only conclude that this was a useful experience to learn from another young organization, besides showing solidarity with other stakeholders with a similar objective of uplifting the living standards of the people of south Sudan.
Benson Oduor
PENSIL Coordinator
PENSIL Bi-Monthly Meeting Held On 27th April 2007
The PENSIL coordinating committee held its bi-monthly meeting on the 27th April 2007 at the CEAS Boardroom – Emerald House along Ngong’ Road, Nairobi. This was also the first meeting for the incoming coordinator. The meeting discussed means of revitalizing PENSIL and getting members back since a coordinator had already started work.
The relation between PENSIL and other church organs e.g. SCBRC was clarified: these are not in competition but are collaborators. Matters of education policy and curriculum, resource mobilization and visibility of PENSIL as well as increased collaboration with the Diocesan Education Coordinators were also discussed.
The meeting also bade farewell to Sr. Roxanne who is taking up a new posting in Rome.
NB
Kindly share with us your thoughts on how to improve the quality of secondary education is south Sudan. Our e-mail is: pensil@scbrc.org
The process involved reading documents from the CHAS secretariat, namely, workshop reports, strategic plans, Technical Assistance reports among others. This was followed by a historical overview of the formation of CHAS and its vision, mission and objectives. The evaluation methodology involved data analysis of questionnaires sent by e-mail, one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, visits to the Ministry of Health head quarters, and rural health centres in Bor and Rumbek. At the end of the process there was a debriefing session. This gave an opportunity for the team to share with some stakeholders some of the findings and recommendations.
During the evaluation process several issues of interest to PENSIL arose, and these will be incorporated in the development of PENSIL. The working of the Government of South Sudan was also explained and the government’s relationship with the NGO sector in nation-building clarified. In addition, contact was made with people who could ber useful in furthering the interests of the church in education and PENSIL. We can only conclude that this was a useful experience to learn from another young organization, besides showing solidarity with other stakeholders with a similar objective of uplifting the living standards of the people of south Sudan.
Benson Oduor
PENSIL Coordinator
PENSIL Bi-Monthly Meeting Held On 27th April 2007
The PENSIL coordinating committee held its bi-monthly meeting on the 27th April 2007 at the CEAS Boardroom – Emerald House along Ngong’ Road, Nairobi. This was also the first meeting for the incoming coordinator. The meeting discussed means of revitalizing PENSIL and getting members back since a coordinator had already started work.
The relation between PENSIL and other church organs e.g. SCBRC was clarified: these are not in competition but are collaborators. Matters of education policy and curriculum, resource mobilization and visibility of PENSIL as well as increased collaboration with the Diocesan Education Coordinators were also discussed.
The meeting also bade farewell to Sr. Roxanne who is taking up a new posting in Rome.
NB
Kindly share with us your thoughts on how to improve the quality of secondary education is south Sudan. Our e-mail is: pensil@scbrc.org
USSP's Letter of Support...
His Grace Paulino Lukudu Loro
President of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference,
Archdiocese of Juba
South Sudan
02/05/2007
Re: Letter of Appreciation and Support
Your Grace,
On behalf of the United South Sudan Party (USSP), I am writing to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your outstanding article published in Sudan Tribune dated April 26, 2007.
In that article, your call for southern political elites to stand up in defence of people’s aspiration for separation of South Sudan is fully justified. We are very encouraged and pleased that USSP’s call for South Sudan’s separation is shared by your honourable office.
We would like to assure your grace that our party (USSP) stands for total independence of south Sudan. We believe that the people of south Sudan who have suffered for so long cannot but feel humbled by the articulation of their aspirations for a free and independent homeland where human dignity, equality, development and the rule of law are observed and applied by government in respect of its every action.
In a country such as South Sudan which has experienced nothing else but conflict, hatred and violence for more than 150 years, it is more necessary for the people of South Sudan to be united now than at any other time, and to have faith in human destiny. For this reason our support of the CPA is unequivocal. USSP is committed to the unity of all South Sudanese people for the purpose of our common goal (independence of South Sudan)
USSP believe that anything less than total independence of South Sudan will not ensure sustainable peace for the people of South Sudan
Your Grace, it will be a grave omission on our part if we fail to mention your strong support for the struggle of the people of South Sudan even during the darker days in the history of our country. We commend your courageous stand and would like to assure you that USSP will do everything in its power to address the needs of our people through peaceful democratic means.
Yours sincerely
Clement J. Mbugoniwia
Party Leader
=========================
BERGKULLEVÄGEN 255
SE- 461 66 TROLLHÄTTAN
SWEDEN
TEL/FAX: +46 520 13081
MOB: +46 704 408981
President of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference,
Archdiocese of Juba
South Sudan
02/05/2007
Re: Letter of Appreciation and Support
Your Grace,
On behalf of the United South Sudan Party (USSP), I am writing to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your outstanding article published in Sudan Tribune dated April 26, 2007.
In that article, your call for southern political elites to stand up in defence of people’s aspiration for separation of South Sudan is fully justified. We are very encouraged and pleased that USSP’s call for South Sudan’s separation is shared by your honourable office.
We would like to assure your grace that our party (USSP) stands for total independence of south Sudan. We believe that the people of south Sudan who have suffered for so long cannot but feel humbled by the articulation of their aspirations for a free and independent homeland where human dignity, equality, development and the rule of law are observed and applied by government in respect of its every action.
In a country such as South Sudan which has experienced nothing else but conflict, hatred and violence for more than 150 years, it is more necessary for the people of South Sudan to be united now than at any other time, and to have faith in human destiny. For this reason our support of the CPA is unequivocal. USSP is committed to the unity of all South Sudanese people for the purpose of our common goal (independence of South Sudan)
USSP believe that anything less than total independence of South Sudan will not ensure sustainable peace for the people of South Sudan
Your Grace, it will be a grave omission on our part if we fail to mention your strong support for the struggle of the people of South Sudan even during the darker days in the history of our country. We commend your courageous stand and would like to assure you that USSP will do everything in its power to address the needs of our people through peaceful democratic means.
Yours sincerely
Clement J. Mbugoniwia
Party Leader
=========================
BERGKULLEVÄGEN 255
SE- 461 66 TROLLHÄTTAN
SWEDEN
TEL/FAX: +46 520 13081
MOB: +46 704 408981
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Sudan Church Provides Leadership...
Wednesday 2 May 2007 05:29.
Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro: Sudan Church Provides Leadership
By Steve Paterno
May 1, 2007 — The Catholic Archbishop of diocese of Juba, Paulino Lokudu Loro, has last week set the tone for political debate in South Sudan proving the vital leadership role the Church always plays in liberation struggle for the masses of South Sudan—the role that always significantly impact the population but often times not credited to the Church. Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro, is one of the Church leaders who has always stood on the side of the masses whether it is in time of despair or happiness. The turbulence of civil war in Sudan which killed more than two million people and created unbearable misery witnessed the courage, persistence, and leadership of Archbishop Loro as he plighted with the masses throughout the
suffering.
In this period of relative peace brought about as a result of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Archbishop Loro once again stepped up to the occasion as he fires on the imagination of the people of South Sudan by calling and supporting on political leadership that champions the aspiration of the people of South Sudan for self-determination, which will eventually set the people of South Sudan free. The Archbishop goes on calling for unity of purpose for the people of South Sudan, something that is desperately lacking at this period in time. It is an obvious fact that the current South Sudanese political leadership completely ignores the aspiration of the people of South Sudan for independence. The leadership is hooked in the slogan of giving Unity of Sudan a chance, the unity that is responsible for marginalization of the people of South Sudan for all this time, without providing a platform for self-determination. The Separatists within the leadership are either suppressed, marginalized or don't even exist.
As a Catholic Archbishop, Loro's wields significant power probably more than the current South Sudanese president who seems to be out of touch with the masses and their aspirations. Archbishop Loro leadership influence surpasses the regular denominational role, which always dominates Christian Churches throughout the world. Besides attending to his flock of Catholics, Archbishop Loro has been a uniting force for the Churches in Sudan . In many occasions, he acts as co-chairman or the patron of inter-denomination Churches that work for the general good of the population, and whenever necessary, he always offers his leadership and advice to different Church denominations. Leaders of other Churches spoke favorably about him and admire his leadership role.
There is no better time to measure the vital leadership role the church plays in liberating the masses of South Sudan than when the quality of leadership among South Sudanese politicians is virtually diminished by leadership rivalries, rampant corruption, tribalism/nepotism, incompetence, and lack of vision for people of South Sudan. In the absence of quality leadership, the Church always fills in the gap.
Throughout the history of Sudan , the Church has played vital role in shaping the societies of Sudan as well as liberating the marginalized societies from the shackles of dictatorial regimes in Khartoum . Whether it is providing essential and basic services such as education, health, shelter, clothing, food or offering guidance and leadership, or even sacrificing in form of lives, the Church has
always been in the forefront.
To this day, the Church remains a leading force of education for significant population of Sudan. Matter of fact, the Church established good reputation in education field by running the highly standardized institutions of learning throughout the country. Ironically, the North of Sudan, which is hostile to the Church, is the number one beneficiary of the best school systems established by the Church. The products of those best schools in the North are none other than the ruling elites in Khartoum who always turn out to be the very people who persecute the Church and the marginalized people of Sudan after acquiring solid educational foundation in schools established by Church. They act as if giving back in return means vengeance.
From earlier on, the regime in Khartoum realized the important role of the Church, especially in the area of education. In 1964, the dictator, General Ibrahim Aboud decreed a Missionary Act, which resulted in the expulsion of missionaries and halting of missionary activities in Sudan. For dictator, Aboud, the missionaries' activities were responsible for the separatism attitude harbored by majority of Southern Sudanese. An attempt was made to nationalize the Church such as the way it is in China so as to suppress the influence of the Church, however, such an attempt failed as the Church could not compromise a bit on its ideals.
Despite efforts by the regime in Khartoum to abolish the Church and its activities, the Church remains steadfast and instrumental as shown by Cardinal Zubeir Wako 's leadership during the liberation struggle. The terminology, "liberation theology" which is commonly associated with liberation struggle in Latin America may as well have its origin in Sudan considering historical involvement of the Church in liberation activities there. It was not by accident that the first ever liberation struggle in Sudan was led by a priest, the Reverend Fr. Saturnino Ohure.
In the subsequent years that follow the Church continues to be a great contributor to the struggle of the people of Sudan such as the contributions of Bishop Paride Taban, Bishop Nataniel Garang and that of organizations like the New Sudan Council of Churches in SPLA/M liberated areas. The Church is able to create leaders whom their courage and love is match by none. Their quality of leadership is unprecedented that they are the ones who reach to the masses as oppose to the masses reaching out for them. In the words of Jesus Christ, "nobody has greater love than this: to give his life for his friends." However, in comparisons, one commentator remarked about some of the leaders of the Church in Sudan that they "followed their Master(Jesus) even further, by giving their life for their enemies" not just for their friends.
One such example of courage and love is exemplified by Fr. Deng Barnaba. On bidding farewell to the last missionaries who were expelled as a result of the Missionary Act, in the year 1964, Fr. Deng Barnaba said, "Father, pray for us. We shall see each other only in heaven." Knowing that life is going to be treacherous and he will not be able to meet with his fellow foreign priests anymore on this planet earth, Fr. Barnaba prophecy was proven right only a year later because he ended up being implicated by the Khartoum authorities for assisting the Anyanya movement and the order was issued to eliminate him immediately. On August 23, 1965, as he was visiting the sick in Wau town like he usually did, he met the convey of Khartoum soldiers who were looking for him all over the place as he was passing at the airport crossing just before reaching Khor Grinti. He was immediately grabbed out of his car, and before he could be savagely murdered, he asked that he prays. He put on his cassock and started praying even to his enemy who were about to murder him in a cold blood. As soon as he said, "if you wish, I am ready", then he was shot execution style right on his head and the shots followed by three more on the chest, which dropped him backward on his back. Such is a story of individuals with rare quality who are willing to sacrifice in form of their lives.
Given the historical background of the Church in the liberation struggle and the influence the Church exerts on the general population, it is high time the politicians of the South Sudan whom their activities are characterized by rivalry, corruption, tribalism/nepotism, incompetence, and lack of vision heed to the advice and guidance of the Church. Archbishop, Loro has not only spoken but set a tone that resonate very well with the general population of the South Sudanese people—the tone that will be echoed over and over and spread like the gospel among the South Sudanese people wherever they may be.
President Salva Kiir a regular church goer and hopefully a God fearing individual would have been the greatest beneficiary of the guidance and advice of the church such as the one provided by Archbishop Loro. One will presume, President Kiir attends the church on average once a week, but one wonders on how many times he addresses the masses of the South Sudan in a year, and on how many occasions President Kiir delivers on the aspiration of the people of the South Sudan for self-determination. Such questions are left for President Salva Kiir and his fellow politicians to grapple with. Whatever it may be, the Church seems to always be ready to provide leadership, especially when the politicians failed to provide any leadership.
The Church had long time came to the conclusion that the interest of the Church in South Sudan can only be safeguarded in a free society. When asked on the Church involvement in struggle of justice and freedom for the people of South Sudan , the Rev. Fr. Saturnino Ohure responded, "what is the use of baptizing babies, if in the future, it will become impossible to instruct them? Or if to get a job or employment they must become Moslems?" It is only in a free independent South Sudan that the Church beliefs that its interest can be secured, therefore, the statement of Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro in regards to the independence of South Sudan ought to be taken seriously by the Southern Sudanese political leadership. Otherwise, blessed are those who share, champion, and promote the aspirations of the people of
South Sudan .
* Steve Paterno is a Sudanese residing in the U.S.A., and he can be reached at stevepaterno@yahoo.com
(ST online)
Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro: Sudan Church Provides Leadership
By Steve Paterno
May 1, 2007 — The Catholic Archbishop of diocese of Juba, Paulino Lokudu Loro, has last week set the tone for political debate in South Sudan proving the vital leadership role the Church always plays in liberation struggle for the masses of South Sudan—the role that always significantly impact the population but often times not credited to the Church. Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro, is one of the Church leaders who has always stood on the side of the masses whether it is in time of despair or happiness. The turbulence of civil war in Sudan which killed more than two million people and created unbearable misery witnessed the courage, persistence, and leadership of Archbishop Loro as he plighted with the masses throughout the
suffering.
In this period of relative peace brought about as a result of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Archbishop Loro once again stepped up to the occasion as he fires on the imagination of the people of South Sudan by calling and supporting on political leadership that champions the aspiration of the people of South Sudan for self-determination, which will eventually set the people of South Sudan free. The Archbishop goes on calling for unity of purpose for the people of South Sudan, something that is desperately lacking at this period in time. It is an obvious fact that the current South Sudanese political leadership completely ignores the aspiration of the people of South Sudan for independence. The leadership is hooked in the slogan of giving Unity of Sudan a chance, the unity that is responsible for marginalization of the people of South Sudan for all this time, without providing a platform for self-determination. The Separatists within the leadership are either suppressed, marginalized or don't even exist.
As a Catholic Archbishop, Loro's wields significant power probably more than the current South Sudanese president who seems to be out of touch with the masses and their aspirations. Archbishop Loro leadership influence surpasses the regular denominational role, which always dominates Christian Churches throughout the world. Besides attending to his flock of Catholics, Archbishop Loro has been a uniting force for the Churches in Sudan . In many occasions, he acts as co-chairman or the patron of inter-denomination Churches that work for the general good of the population, and whenever necessary, he always offers his leadership and advice to different Church denominations. Leaders of other Churches spoke favorably about him and admire his leadership role.
There is no better time to measure the vital leadership role the church plays in liberating the masses of South Sudan than when the quality of leadership among South Sudanese politicians is virtually diminished by leadership rivalries, rampant corruption, tribalism/nepotism, incompetence, and lack of vision for people of South Sudan. In the absence of quality leadership, the Church always fills in the gap.
Throughout the history of Sudan , the Church has played vital role in shaping the societies of Sudan as well as liberating the marginalized societies from the shackles of dictatorial regimes in Khartoum . Whether it is providing essential and basic services such as education, health, shelter, clothing, food or offering guidance and leadership, or even sacrificing in form of lives, the Church has
always been in the forefront.
To this day, the Church remains a leading force of education for significant population of Sudan. Matter of fact, the Church established good reputation in education field by running the highly standardized institutions of learning throughout the country. Ironically, the North of Sudan, which is hostile to the Church, is the number one beneficiary of the best school systems established by the Church. The products of those best schools in the North are none other than the ruling elites in Khartoum who always turn out to be the very people who persecute the Church and the marginalized people of Sudan after acquiring solid educational foundation in schools established by Church. They act as if giving back in return means vengeance.
From earlier on, the regime in Khartoum realized the important role of the Church, especially in the area of education. In 1964, the dictator, General Ibrahim Aboud decreed a Missionary Act, which resulted in the expulsion of missionaries and halting of missionary activities in Sudan. For dictator, Aboud, the missionaries' activities were responsible for the separatism attitude harbored by majority of Southern Sudanese. An attempt was made to nationalize the Church such as the way it is in China so as to suppress the influence of the Church, however, such an attempt failed as the Church could not compromise a bit on its ideals.
Despite efforts by the regime in Khartoum to abolish the Church and its activities, the Church remains steadfast and instrumental as shown by Cardinal Zubeir Wako 's leadership during the liberation struggle. The terminology, "liberation theology" which is commonly associated with liberation struggle in Latin America may as well have its origin in Sudan considering historical involvement of the Church in liberation activities there. It was not by accident that the first ever liberation struggle in Sudan was led by a priest, the Reverend Fr. Saturnino Ohure.
In the subsequent years that follow the Church continues to be a great contributor to the struggle of the people of Sudan such as the contributions of Bishop Paride Taban, Bishop Nataniel Garang and that of organizations like the New Sudan Council of Churches in SPLA/M liberated areas. The Church is able to create leaders whom their courage and love is match by none. Their quality of leadership is unprecedented that they are the ones who reach to the masses as oppose to the masses reaching out for them. In the words of Jesus Christ, "nobody has greater love than this: to give his life for his friends." However, in comparisons, one commentator remarked about some of the leaders of the Church in Sudan that they "followed their Master(Jesus) even further, by giving their life for their enemies" not just for their friends.
One such example of courage and love is exemplified by Fr. Deng Barnaba. On bidding farewell to the last missionaries who were expelled as a result of the Missionary Act, in the year 1964, Fr. Deng Barnaba said, "Father, pray for us. We shall see each other only in heaven." Knowing that life is going to be treacherous and he will not be able to meet with his fellow foreign priests anymore on this planet earth, Fr. Barnaba prophecy was proven right only a year later because he ended up being implicated by the Khartoum authorities for assisting the Anyanya movement and the order was issued to eliminate him immediately. On August 23, 1965, as he was visiting the sick in Wau town like he usually did, he met the convey of Khartoum soldiers who were looking for him all over the place as he was passing at the airport crossing just before reaching Khor Grinti. He was immediately grabbed out of his car, and before he could be savagely murdered, he asked that he prays. He put on his cassock and started praying even to his enemy who were about to murder him in a cold blood. As soon as he said, "if you wish, I am ready", then he was shot execution style right on his head and the shots followed by three more on the chest, which dropped him backward on his back. Such is a story of individuals with rare quality who are willing to sacrifice in form of their lives.
Given the historical background of the Church in the liberation struggle and the influence the Church exerts on the general population, it is high time the politicians of the South Sudan whom their activities are characterized by rivalry, corruption, tribalism/nepotism, incompetence, and lack of vision heed to the advice and guidance of the Church. Archbishop, Loro has not only spoken but set a tone that resonate very well with the general population of the South Sudanese people—the tone that will be echoed over and over and spread like the gospel among the South Sudanese people wherever they may be.
President Salva Kiir a regular church goer and hopefully a God fearing individual would have been the greatest beneficiary of the guidance and advice of the church such as the one provided by Archbishop Loro. One will presume, President Kiir attends the church on average once a week, but one wonders on how many times he addresses the masses of the South Sudan in a year, and on how many occasions President Kiir delivers on the aspiration of the people of the South Sudan for self-determination. Such questions are left for President Salva Kiir and his fellow politicians to grapple with. Whatever it may be, the Church seems to always be ready to provide leadership, especially when the politicians failed to provide any leadership.
The Church had long time came to the conclusion that the interest of the Church in South Sudan can only be safeguarded in a free society. When asked on the Church involvement in struggle of justice and freedom for the people of South Sudan , the Rev. Fr. Saturnino Ohure responded, "what is the use of baptizing babies, if in the future, it will become impossible to instruct them? Or if to get a job or employment they must become Moslems?" It is only in a free independent South Sudan that the Church beliefs that its interest can be secured, therefore, the statement of Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro in regards to the independence of South Sudan ought to be taken seriously by the Southern Sudanese political leadership. Otherwise, blessed are those who share, champion, and promote the aspirations of the people of
South Sudan .
* Steve Paterno is a Sudanese residing in the U.S.A., and he can be reached at stevepaterno@yahoo.com
(ST online)
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Pax Christi Regional Consultative Meeting...
Pax Christi Regional Consultative Meeting, 12-18 April 2007 – Gedera Resort Centre - Ethiopia
The meeting was part of the annual consultation meeting organized by Pax Christi International as a follow up of the one held last year in Limuru, Kenya.
The consultative meeting discussed issues in the greater horn of Africa, peace initiative within the region and the role of civil society in peace building, the following topic were discussed:
• Understanding the Ethiopian Context,
• The Eritrean-Ethiopian Conflict,
• The Road to Peace and Reconciliation in Uganda,
• Regional Perspective on Somalia, Sudan – Politics, People and the Press,
• Democracy and Human Security in Kenya,
• The Role of Civil Society in Building Peace,
• Pax Christi in the Greater Horn of Africa – structural considerations
The participants came up with an action plan for the next three years focusing on the following:
1. Good Governance and Democracy,
2. Human Security,
3. Justice, peace and reconciliation.
The participants were drawn from People for Peace in Africa, Development Services International/Hadish Tesfa Network, Kuron Peace Village, Upper Nile Peace and Development, Columnist Alsahafa Newspaper Foundation, Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat, Addis Ababa University (AAU), Research Centre for Civic and Human Rights Education(RCCHE, FAMEC, JPC – Assoc. of Sisterhoods of Kenya, Peace Tree Network, Chemchemi Ya Ukweli, Seeds of Peace Africa International and Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Regional Conferernce which was represented by the Justice and Peace Coordinator and the Bishop Chairman.
The meeting was part of the annual consultation meeting organized by Pax Christi International as a follow up of the one held last year in Limuru, Kenya.
The consultative meeting discussed issues in the greater horn of Africa, peace initiative within the region and the role of civil society in peace building, the following topic were discussed:
• Understanding the Ethiopian Context,
• The Eritrean-Ethiopian Conflict,
• The Road to Peace and Reconciliation in Uganda,
• Regional Perspective on Somalia, Sudan – Politics, People and the Press,
• Democracy and Human Security in Kenya,
• The Role of Civil Society in Building Peace,
• Pax Christi in the Greater Horn of Africa – structural considerations
The participants came up with an action plan for the next three years focusing on the following:
1. Good Governance and Democracy,
2. Human Security,
3. Justice, peace and reconciliation.
The participants were drawn from People for Peace in Africa, Development Services International/Hadish Tesfa Network, Kuron Peace Village, Upper Nile Peace and Development, Columnist Alsahafa Newspaper Foundation, Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat, Addis Ababa University (AAU), Research Centre for Civic and Human Rights Education(RCCHE, FAMEC, JPC – Assoc. of Sisterhoods of Kenya, Peace Tree Network, Chemchemi Ya Ukweli, Seeds of Peace Africa International and Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Regional Conferernce which was represented by the Justice and Peace Coordinator and the Bishop Chairman.
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