Advocacy for Tax Exemptions: Catholic Church’s Role in Sudan and South Sudan
Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan urge the governments for tax exemptions for the Church, asserting that this would enhance resource allocation for pastoral activities. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and the need for increased international aid to support humanitarian efforts. The Church’s role in community engagement is emphasized, as it seeks to foster peace and unity amid a dire situation.
Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan are advocating for tax exemptions for the Church from both governments. During the Episcopal Conference of Sudan and South Sudan on February 18, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla emphasized the need for financial relief to navigate the challenges the Church is facing. He argued that such exemptions would allow for greater resource allocation towards pastoral activities and community services, which are vital in maintaining the Church’s presence in the communities.
The region has been marred by protracted conflicts, particularly in South Sudan, which faced turmoil shortly after its independence in 2011. Tensions arose when President Salva Kiir accused former Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar of a coup attempt, resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths and the displacement of millions. Despite the establishment of a coalition government in 2020, violence persists, impacting the populace severely.
In Sudan, violence broke out two years ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, resulting in 12 million displaced individuals requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. Sudan is among the nations impacted by funding cuts from USAID, prompting agencies such as Caritas Internationalis and Cafod to request increased international aid, aligning with calls from the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs and the UN Refugee Agency.
Cardinal Mulla underscored the necessity for the Church to extend its resources in response to these challenges. He articulated that the Church serves not only as a spiritual guide but also plays an essential role in the social and economic frameworks of the communities. The Church’s pledges to education, moral guidance, and inter-religious dialogue are vital for building peace and unity within the populace.
The call for tax exemptions by the Catholic bishops of Sudan and South Sudan highlights the urgent need for financial support amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in both countries. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla’s advocacy emphasizes the Church’s role in community service and education, reinforcing its importance as a beacon of hope and stability in a tumultuous environment. The plight of millions displaced by conflict underscores the necessity for increased humanitarian aid and the Church’s commitment to act in response to these pressing challenges.
Original Source: www.thetablet.co.uk
