Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu highlights the Church’s role in providing hope amidst South Sudan’s growing political instability and violence, following the postponement of elections and ongoing humanitarian crises. He emphasizes the need for dialogue, unity, and prioritizing the common good to foster peace, especially as climate change worsens conditions for vulnerable populations.
Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu emphasizes the Church’s commitment to bringing hope amidst turmoil in South Sudan, which is facing renewed violence between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the White Army militia. The postponement of the 2024 elections to 2026 raises concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. With 450,000 Catholics and 350,000 Protestants in Bentiu, he highlights the importance of faith in addressing these challenges.
The Diocese of Bentiu, covering 38,000 square kilometers, consists of seven parishes supported by catechists and lay pastoral workers, who Bishop Carlassare calls the “backbone of the Christian communities.” The region suffers from poverty due to years of civil war, with many residents residing in makeshift shelters.
Bishop Carlassare reports that Bentiu is home to the Rucona camp, which houses 140,000 displaced individuals, representing only a fraction of the 800,000 internally displaced South Sudanese. The bishop describes the adverse effects of climate change, such as severe flooding and drought, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and increasing the risk of conflict.
The region also hosts over a million displaced Sudanese fleeing the violence in Sudan, further straining resources. Despite oil revenues being a potential stabilizing factor, they have unfortunately led to conflict and division instead. As Bishop Carlassare notes, there is a critical need for dialogue among different factions in order to foster unity and peace.
The Church’s mission remains focused on reconciliation and hope, urging leaders to prioritize the common good over tribal affiliations in future elections. Amid uncertainty, the Church stands as a beacon, advocating for unity, justice, and lasting peace for the people of South Sudan.
In conclusion, Bishop Christian Carlassare’s insights reveal the profound challenges faced by South Sudan amid political instability and environmental crises. The Church’s dedication to reconciliation and hope serves as an essential component in navigating this fragile landscape. Emphasizing the need for unity and the prioritization of the common good, the Church remains committed to fostering peace and supporting the marginalized within South Sudan and those affected by the regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
