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True Followers of Christ “embrace unity, foster peace”: Catholic Bishop in South Sudan

Bishop Mathew Remijio Adam of Wau Diocese in South Sudan. Credit: CRN

True followers of Jesus Christ strive for unity and promote peace, the Catholic Bishop of South Sudan’s Wau Diocese has said.

In his Sunday, April 16 homily at St. Mary’s Help of Christian Parish of his Episcopal See, Bishop Mathew Remijio Adam underscored the value of unity, saying it helps overcome challenges resulting from diversity and even differences.

“True believers should embrace unity and foster peace among themselves rather than be scattered and disunited,” Bishop Remijio said, and added, “This is what Jesus left as a legacy for the Church to be one.”

Making reference to Christ’s words to his disciples after his resurrection, before his ascension to heaven, Bishop Remijio said that it was unfortunate that oneness was not so visible among the people of God in South Sudan.

“Jesus told his disciples to be one and united not to be scattered like the way we are right now,” he said, and added, “The more we are united the more we are able to support one another and to spread the good news.”

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The South Sudanese member of the Comboni Missionaries (MCCJ) emphasized the need for unity among citizens in the world’s youngest nation, saying fostering oneness helps in overcoming “differences as the children of God in this country.”

He attributed disunity in South Sudan to “tribal, political, and religious differences”, and said, “Without showing a strong sign of unity among ourselves there will always be differences.”

“Most of us are scattered in this country especially separating from our parents because of the differences we have at the community and national levels,” the 50-year-old Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Wau Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in January 2021 said. 

He cautioned against the tendency to abandon bereaved families. 

“Many family members withdraw and isolate themselves from others after the death of a breadwinner,” Bishop Remijio said, and urged “family members not to scatter even after the death of their loved ones.”

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He went on to call on pastoral agents to be active in bringing unity among members of South Sudanese communities rather than serving their own interests.

“Many of us are active members in many associations and groups in Church when there is a sign of interest,” the South Sudanese Catholic Church leader said, adding, “When there is no interest many people will withdraw because there will be nothing to gain from the groups.”

He encouraged the followers of Christ in South Sudan to “work hard to selflessly help our people.”

Patrick Juma Wani is a South Sudanese journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. Patrick holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from Makerere Institute for Social Development (MISD) in Uganda. He has over 7 years of extensive experience in leading the development and implementation of media, advocacy, communication and multimedia strategy and operations, with an excellent track record of editorial leadership, budget management, and stakeholder outreach. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.