The Bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Yei River State, Hillary Luate Adeba has decried the lack of freedom of expression in the country.
Speaking at the end of a peace dissemination workshop in Yei town on Friday, Luate said several religious leaders live in fear having been accused by some individuals in government institutions of support the opposition for exposing human rights abuses.
The vocal religious leader is known for advocating for peace and stability.
Luate said church played a great role in promoting peace, human rights and good governance before South Sudan’s independence from Sudan.
“This is how the church has played its role to bring about the nation of South Sudan, but there are some people doubting the role of the church. The church is bound by an obligation not to tell lies, but somebody in the congregation is hurt by what we speak from the pulpit,” Luate said.
He added, “Some people misinterpreted that we are acting as an opposition party, but I want to repeat that we are not an opposition party, we are a religious institution with an obligation to tell the truth and if you are hurt because you are against peace, sorry for you”.
Last year, a United Nations human rights report revealed that undue restrictions on freedom of expression are having a "chilling effect" and "further shrinking the space for debate and dissent" in war-torn South Sudan.