The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has suspended 20 priests from the Internal Province of Amadi in Western Equatoria State over allegations of reviving an ethnic congregation.
In a suspension order issued by Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the ECSS, on May 29, 2025, the affected priests are prohibited from performing any pastoral duties within the Episcopal Diocese of Juba.
The order, titled “Suspension of Unlicensed Priests from Causing Disturbances,” further cites the need for constitutional and canonical clarity as the primary reason for the decision.
The suspension will remain in effect until the Diocesan Tribunal receives satisfactory explanations following an investigation.
“The presence and activities of these clergy have raised constitutional and pastoral concerns within the Diocese,” the letter reads in part. “Until their actions are clarified in accordance with church law, they are hereby suspended from any clerical functions within the Diocese of Juba,” it added.
Among those suspended are 14 priests from Lui Diocese, two from Mundri, and one each from Wandi, Yeri, Uganda, and Malakal.
Notable names on the list include Rev. Isaac Oneil Yosia, Rev. Henry Menosona, and Rev. Elisapa Badigo.
The full list of names has been circulated among all Diocesan Bishops of the Internal Province of Amadi and parish priests serving Moru-speaking congregations in Juba to ensure the order is enforced.
Reports suggest that the suspension is linked to a recent letter authored by a group of Moru pastors advocating for the revival of the Moru congregation, an entity that was dissolved in 2008 under the leadership of then-Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul.
The move to reinstate the Moru congregation has sparked renewed debate within church circles.
Some critics argue that the initiative challenges the church’s unified governance structure and risks reawakening ethnic divisions within the institution.
The Moru congregation, historically tied to a specific ethnic community, has long been a sensitive issue in church politics.
