Authorities in the Jonglei State capital, Bor, have banned processions and all other Christmas-related events amidst rising tensions over leadership of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) in the state.  

In Jonglei, ECSS members often hold processions and night prayers on the eve of Christmas and New Year days, during which they seek repentance, forgiveness, and harmonious living. 

However this year, as a result of tensions emanating from the defrocking of Reuben Akurdit of the Jonglei internal province in August, Duom Kuol Ager, the secretary-general of Jonglei State, said Christians will not be allowed to huddle for celebrations during the festivities to avoid violence among the rival ECSS camps. 

“If you could recall, there has been a dispute within ECSS between Primate Justin Badi and Bishop Akurdit. The dispute caused divisions and commotion in Bor. So, as the government, and to avoid more violence on Christmas and New Year, it was resolved that processions and night-long prayers on December 25 and January 1 be banned,” Duom explained.

He said the ban will continue until the tension is resolved, and those found in defiance will be punished. 

James Deng, an ECSS Makuac Diocese Bishop, condemned the government’s decision and described it as an intrusion on religion. 

“Religion and government are different entities. Yes, the government has been mandated to protect citizens. That does not mean banning church activities. They should instead protect the processions,” Deng said.

Bol Deng Bol, an activist in Bor, welcomed the ban, “In the laws of the land, Article 8 separates the state from the church. Government has no authority over the church. But in this case, we have seen chaos in the churches. Those religious leaders were consulted before the ban was taken. So, this ban is what we have been advocating for.”