The South Sudan Council of Churches yesterday organized a prayer meeting for ministers of the new unity government, which includes representatives of both of the formerly warring parties.

The meeting held in Freedom Hall in Juba attracted various ministers including Cabinet Minister Martin Elia as well as the Deputy Defence Minister David Yau Yau.

However, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar did not show up to the meeting.

A source from the council of churches pointed ou that the two leaders also failed to show up to a similar prayer meeting organized at the parliamentary affairs ministry last month.

Bishops Enock Tombe of the Episcopal Church and Paride Taban of the Catholic Church were among the church leaders who attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occassion, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare Awut Deng Achuil called on the South Sudanese to forget the bitterness of the war, forgive and reconcile for the unity of the country.

Meanwhile, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro called on religious leaders to conduct more prayers for South Sudanese to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation among the people.