Stephen Ameyu Mulla, the new metropolitan archbishop of Juba archdiocese has called for unity in churches as a strategy to fight for everlasting peace in South Sudan.
The Catholic archbishop was speaking at a Christmas carols event held at St. Peter and Paul cathedral in Torit on Thursday.
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and the inter-church committee, with support from the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), organized the Christmas carols for various religious denominations.
“We need peace in all our families because without peace, we will not celebrate this Christmas in a good way. During this time, my message has always been a message for peace,” said Ameyu.
He added, “The church of Christ remains one and no one can differentiate anybody. We need to give a message of peace to everyone who seeks for it and peace should remain on Earth”.
Paquina Akongo, a faithful at African Inland Church (AIC), wondered why peace has for so long eluded the South Sudanese. She urged all people to turn to God in quest for everlasting peace.
“Forget your differences for this year and seek real peace,” she said.
On his part, inter-church committee chairperson for Torit State, Pastor Oryem Solomon Abalang said South Sudanese long for peace because of the numerous challenges they face all over the country.
He said 2020 must be a year for change and peaceful co-existence.
“The challenges we are facing are about poor roads and security. The government should work together with the church as we all continue to pray to God to enter into their hearts,” Oryem explained.
“Let them all work together and not have any enemies,” he added.
The Christmas carol was taken from the book of Isaiah 43:18-19.