Hope Amidst Hardship: The Church’s Role in South Sudan
South Sudan is currently experiencing increased violence and political instability, with conflicts between the government and militia threatening peace. Bishop Christian Carlassare highlights the Church’s commitment to hope and reconciliation amid these hardships. With rising displacement due to conflict and environmental challenges, the need for unity and constructive dialogue is pivotal for the nation’s future.
South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, is presently experiencing heightened tensions, with violent confrontations emerging between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia. This unrest jeopardizes the already delicate peace established in the region. Compounding these issues, the elections that were initially scheduled for December 2024 have now been postponed to late 2026, raising concerns regarding the survival of the 2018 peace agreement.
In response to the escalating instability, Bishop Christian Carlassare, of Bentiu, emphasized the Church’s dedication to fostering peace and hope among the citizens of South Sudan. In a conversation with Vatican News’ Massimiliano Menichetti, he characterized the Diocese of Bentiu as a beacon of faith amid adversity, stating, “as people of faith, we are called to bring hope to all.” The Diocese serves approximately 450,000 Catholics and 350,000 Protestants, reflecting a vibrant religious community.
Covering an area of 38,000 square kilometers, the Diocese of Bentiu is divided into seven parishes, each aided by catechists and lay pastoral workers who are crucial in sustaining local Christian communities. With only nine diocesan priests available, Bishop Carlassare acknowledged the indispensable contribution of lay leaders, whom he refers to as “the backbone of the Christian communities.”
Bentiu stands as one of the poorest regions in the nation, a state attributed to years of civil conflict from 2013 to 2020, which has left many individuals in dire conditions without permanent housing. The diocese is home to around 1.13 million people primarily belonging to the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups, a relationship that is complex and fraught with tension. Hence, the Diocese’s key focus is on fostering unity and reconciliation within these groups.
The Rucona camp in Bentiu, established in 2014, is South Sudan’s largest refugee camp and accommodates approximately 140,000 displaced individuals. This figure is a mere fraction of the estimated 800,000 South Sudanese displaced by ongoing violence. Additionally, around 130,000 Sudanese refugees are reported to reside in camps around Ida and Jam Jam, which fall within Bishop Carlassare’s jurisdiction.
Despite peace agreements being proclaimed, Bishop Carlassare observed, “people are still unable to return to their homes.” The worsening impact of climate variability, marked by extreme droughts and flooding, only complicates the situation further. The bishop highlighted that the last four years have seen severe flooding, which has uprooted nearly a million individuals annually and hampered agricultural productivity, exacerbating food scarcity now threatening many lives.
Bishop Carlassare further warned that flooding has tainted essential water sources, posing health risks as pollution from nearby oil wells can leach into the water supply. Environmental degradation through soil erosion and deforestation also increases tensions and conflict risk. He succinctly stated, “Climate change and environmental degradation are robbing the people of South Sudan of their resilience and making them even more vulnerable to crises.”
In addition to conflicts concerning South Sudanese, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to an influx of over a million Sudanese refugees crossing the border into South Sudan, which, unfortunately, struggles to extend adequate support for these individuals.
Given the uncertain political landscape, with elections postponed for the second time, Bishop Carlassare highlighted the necessity for civil society to prepare citizens for upcoming elections. He urged prioritization of candidates who would genuinely advocate for the collective good instead of tribal interests, insisting on the significance of fostering unity over division.
Furthermore, while oil revenues account for 85% of South Sudan’s GDP, Bishop Carlassare expressed disappointment that rather than fostering development, these revenues have incited conflict. He pointedly remarked on the intensifying strife seen in recent clashes, calling for urgent dialogue, as he noted, “we are deeply concerned by the growing confrontation.”
In these challenging times, the Church remains steadfast in supporting the South Sudanese populace, dedicating efforts to “build bridges of reconciliation.” As the nation grapples with political upheaval, displacement, and environmental issues, the Church’s mission persists in fostering hope, justice, and lasting peace.
In summary, South Sudan faces significant challenges stemming from political instability, ongoing conflict, and climate crises. Bishop Christian Carlassare’s insights underscore the Church’s critical role in promoting hope and reconciliation. By prioritizing dialogue and unity, there is a potential pathway towards peace, but the nation must urgently address underlying issues of governance, resource management, and interethnic relations to ensure a stable future for all South Sudanese citizens.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
