The leadership of the Moru Congregation of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has accused the Juba Diocese of orchestrating violent attacks on its churches in Juba, alleging that police and security forces were used to assault worshippers during Sunday prayers.
Addressing a press conference in Juba on Monday, Canon Oneil Yosia Daima, reading a statement on behalf of the Moru Congregation leadership, said the attacks targeted Moru churches in Nyakuron, Munuki and Gudele on Jan. 11, 2026.
“We wish to express our position on the unfortunate attack launched by elements of Juba Diocese on Moru Congregation churches while our members were peacefully praying,” Daima said.
He said pastors who went to Nyakuron Moru Congregation Church on Sunday did so with the intention of forcibly reinstating clergy affiliated with the Juba Diocese, including the Rev. Gibson Ali Roba, whom the congregation had previously asked to leave the church.
Daima said the Moru Congregation has existed for 88 years and that its churches were built on land acquired by members without financial or material support from the Juba Diocese.
“We did not agree with the 2008 decision by the Juba Diocese administration to dissolve our congregation. Churches are spiritual in nature and cannot be dissolved by orders,” he said, adding that the congregation formally returned to its original status on May 10, 2025.
Daima said the leadership received “credible information” days before the incident that an attack was planned and wrote to the Archbishop of Juba Diocese, the Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama, as well as state authorities, urging them to stop it, but no action was taken.
On the morning of Jan. 11, the congregation alleges that several pastors, accompanied by Central Equatoria State police officers, stormed Nyakuron Moru Congregation Church.
“They started attacking and beating our members mercilessly with sticks, hoes and iron bars,” Daima said. “Many of our members, including women and youth, were seriously injured.”
He said 15 people, including four who were critically injured, were taken to Juba Teaching Hospital, but police later removed them and detained them at Mauna Police Station instead of allowing them to continue receiving medical treatment.
Daima further alleged that other groups attempted to forcibly enter Moru churches in Munuki and Gudele but were repulsed by congregation members.
The Moru Congregation also said it is in possession of a letter dated Jan. 7, 2026, allegedly requesting security support to carry out the operation.
“This letter formed the basis of the criminal attack on our members,” Daima said, alleging that one officer openly threatened worshippers with a grenade and a pistol.
The congregation said it reserves the right to pursue legal action against those responsible.
“We will consider every possible legal option to hold accountable those responsible for this brutal aggression on innocent and defenseless members,” the statement said.
The Moru Congregation said it remains open to dialogue but insists on recognition of its administrative and financial autonomy.
“We appeal to the church leadership to stop these unspiritual actions and pursue dialogue based on 1 Corinthians Chapter 6, verses 1 to 11,” Daima said, warning that the incident “reflects negatively on the image and reputation of the church.”
When reached for comment, the office of the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan said it would respond at a later date.