The Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has decried the economic adversity and insecurity citizens are currently grappling with as Christians prepare to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Addressing a press conference on Monday to deliver his Christmas message, Dr. Justin Badi Arama, who also doubles as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Juba, said that in 2024, they observed and are deeply troubled by a divided world and hope for the beginning of an end to the massive conflicts and suffering globally.
“As a church, we earlier talked about the hardships citizens are facing and we know it is the responsibility of the government to pay its civil servants, and that has not happened, maybe for a reason known by the government,” he said. “However, we continue to encourage the government to take its responsibilities seriously because now as people go on Christmas, some are miserable, especially the organized forces, they are human beings with families who need to be cared for.”
“So, we pray for the government and we encourage them to take their responsibilities seriously,” the prelate added.
Dr. Badi said the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day brings new hope to humanity and prompts believers to praise the Lord at all times and lift their mindset from an earthly to a heavenly perspective.
“Let us all celebrate this Christmas by opening our hearts to the Prince of Peace to dwell amongst us and allow his presence in our lives, in our community, and our society,” he said. “May this Christmas enable us to deepen our love for one another and treat each other with respect, compassion, and care.”
The church leader revealed that the crisis that bedeviled the Episcopal Church in Jonglei State has been resolved and the church is running its activities in the state normally.
“I do not think we have any crisis in Jonglei at the moment,” he explained. “What happened was canonical disobedience which we resolved long ago and as of now, the ECSS is smoothly running its affairs, and Christians in Bor are doing their things the way they like.”