Christians in Lakes State have welcomed the news of the scheduled consecration of Bishop-elect, Fr. Christian Calassare, who was shot in both legs in April last year.
The Bishop of Wau Diocese, who is the apostolic administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, Mathew Remijo Adam Gbitiku, announced in a letter obtained dated 1 March that the consecration of Fr. Christian Calassare will take place on 25 March 2022.
Juzella Nyanagar Jima, a member of the Pentecostal church in Rumbek, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that they have heard that information about the consecration of Bishop-elect the of Catholic Diocese in Rumbek and all the Christians are very happy.
“I see no relation between the consecration of Bishop-elect Father Christian Calassare and the ongoing trials of the alleged suspects in the court,” Jima said. “We want our Bishop to come to Rumbek and begin to work with his members of the church and people of Rumbek.”
She said the shooting of Fr. Calassare was not something agreed by everyone in Rumbek but it was something organized by the individuals.
Daniel Laat Kon, a member of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, said that the consecration of the Bishop-elect is one of the best things set to happen.
“As members of the Catholic Church, we are happy and we welcome this inauguration because it will also pave away for forgiveness within the Catholic diocese,” Laar said.
He said whoever is found guilty of shooting the Bishop-elect should be convicted.
Abbas Mayek, a member of Enlightened Christian Gatherings church (ECGC), said Fr. Calassare should be consecrated expeditiously so that he starts his work.
“The Bishop is free to be consecrated according to what I know. He is the one to be sworn in to begin his work because he is innocent,” Mayek said. “The case should continue between the government and the criminals who shot the Bishop. My message to all South Sudanese and the world is that Lakes State is free, there is no fear of insecurity, everyone is able to move freely and our Bishop-elect is welcome to be consecrated.”