Bishop Christian Carlassare of South Sudan stresses the Church’s role in promoting hope and peace amid ongoing violence and political instability in the country. As elections are postponed and displacement increases, Carlassare underscores the importance of building bridges among diverse communities and seeking lasting solutions to the challenges faced by South Sudan.
The Bishop of South Sudan, Christian Carlassare, emphasizes the Church’s commitment to fostering peace and hope among the nation’s people amidst rising violence and political instability. As clashes between government forces and opposition militia threaten South Sudan’s fragile peace, the postponement of elections to late 2026 raises concerns regarding the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement.
In an interview, Bishop Carlassare describes Bentiu as home to 450,000 Catholics and 350,000 Protestants, with a significant number following traditional beliefs. In a challenging environment, he underscores the role of lay pastoral workers and catechists as essential to sustaining local Christian communities within a diocese covering 38,000 square kilometers.
Previous civil conflict has led to extreme poverty in Bentiu, with many individuals residing in makeshift shelters. The bishop highlights that the complex relationships between the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups pose a challenge in promoting unity and reconciliation, which is a primary focus of his pastoral work.
Currently, Bentiu houses the Rucona camp, sheltering approximately 140,000 displaced individuals from South Sudan. Despite multiple peace agreements, Bishop Carlassare indicates that many remain unable to return home, aggravated by climate challenges such as severe flooding and drought, which have hampered agriculture and water safety in the region.
In addition to local crises, South Sudan is also contending with an influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing the civil war next door. The bishop expresses concern over the capacity of South Sudan to provide adequate support, given the resource strain on the nation.
In conclusion, Bishop Christian Carlassare calls for a unified approach to rebuilding South Sudan through the Church’s mission of hope and reconciliation. He advocates for a political commitment focused on the common good rather than tribal interests, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding amidst ongoing violence and environmental challenges. The plight of displaced individuals remains a pressing issue, necessitating immediate and effective humanitarian support.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
