Cardinal Ameyu Raises Alarm Over “humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale” in Sudan and South Sudan

(Photo Credit: Catholic Radio Network)

The President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) has raised alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the two neighbouring countries of Sudan and South Sudan. 

In his opening remarks at the start of the meeting of SSS-CBC members in the Catholic Diocese of Malakal in South Sudan, Stephen Cardinal Ameyu urged Catholic leaders to strengthen unity, foster non-violence, and reinforce pastoral structures as the Church responds to the plight of the people of God in Sudan and South Sudan.

Cardinal Ameyu described the meeting as “a sign of communion that binds us as the body of Christ; a communion that strengthens the bonds of unity, charity and peace which unite us in the College of Bishops.” 

He prayed that deliberations during the meeting would be “guided by the gospel of non-violence and the call to be servants of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God.”

“The people of Sudan and South Sudan are enduring profound suffering, displacement, loss of life, destruction of churches and properties, and a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale,” the Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese said on Monday, November 10.

He acknowledged with appreciation the spirit of endurance among the Sudanese people, saying, “Amidst these trials, the Dioceses have demonstrated resilience, providing shelters, food, and spiritual care through charities and other agencies.”

“It is our pastoral priority that we work for peace and justice. We are called to build this important institution of justice and peace in our secretariat but above all also in our different Dioceses,” Cardinal Ameyu said at the start of the SSS-CBC organized under the theme “Building Peace, Healing Wounds, and Strengthening Unity.”

The SSS-CBC President added that the Church is deeply committed to humanitarian assistance, which has become a daily part of service in Sudanese Catholic Dioceses.

“We provide support not only materially, but also morally, offering solidarity to refugees and returnees who are coming back home,” he said, and added, “We are together standing to evangelize these people, to have this catechesis for the people who are stressed.”

Cardinal Ameyu continued, “We must always be aware, even in the midst of this destruction and this violence, people still need catechesis; they need evangelization. Let us focus on our mission for the family and the sacrament of marriage because we believe that marriage is one of the most important aspects of our societies,” 

The Cardinal also expressed concern about new government-imposed taxes on Church properties and personnel, warning that such measures could undermine the Church’s mission to serve the poor.

“The recent imposition of taxes on Church properties and personnel threatens our capacity to serve the poor. The Bishops will engage in dialogue with the government to address this issue,” he said.

Cardinal Ameyu further urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to prioritize peace above all else. “No one was created for war; we were all created for peace,” he affirmed. 

During the November 10-14 meeting, SSS-CBC members are to discuss pastoral work, peacebuilding and the growing impact of climate-related disasters on local communities.

In his homily during the opening Mass of the plenary, Cardinal Ameyu urged Sudanese political leaders to end the suffering of citizens who continue to endure both natural and man-made disasters in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State.

“My dear government officials, it is your authority and duty to bring peace to the people of Malakal,” said Cardinal Ameyu, adding, “Many say bishops and priests should bring peace, but I tell you, it is not the clergy who bring peace. We are already at peace within ourselves—it is the government and the people who must create the opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.”

He emphasized that true peace in Sudan and South Sudan can only be achieved when citizens overcome tribal divisions and embrace unity.

“Let us accept one another as Shilluk, as Dinka, as Nuer, as people from Maban—all these communities share Malakal. Let us work together for peace,” he said.

During Holy Mass, SSS-CBC members launched the Small Christian Communities (SCC) initiative to reinforce the Church’s commitment to the theme of the multi-year Synod on Synodality, which Pope Francis extended to 2024, communion, participation, and mission at the grassroots level. 

The SCC initiative encourages Christians to live in fellowship and take active roles in building peace within their communities.

In his homily, Cardinal Ameyu also prayed for God to remove the “spirit of disunity” among South Sudanese people, affirming that the Church will continue to accompany the nation through prayer and moral guidance.

“Peace begins with each of us. When we walk together in communion and mission, South Sudan will find the peace it longs for,” the South Sudanese Cardinal said.

In his welcoming remarks, the Local Ordinary of Malakal described the gathering of SSS-CBC members as “a testimony to the unity of our shared faith,” emphasizing that the Bishops’ presence is a sign of hope and solidarity with the people of God.

“I am very grateful that you accepted to hold this year’s Bishops’ conference in Malakal despite the challenges and tragic news that often come from Upper Nile. Your presence is a profound blessing to the Diocese and the people of Malakal in particular,” Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/18533/cardinal-ameyu-raises-alarm-over-humanitarian-crisis-of-unprecedented-scale-in-sudan-and-south-sudan