South Sudan’s church leaders have issued a strong Christmas and New Year appeal calling for an immediate end to war, the release of political detainees, and the opening of a new chapter of genuine, inclusive dialogue to rescue the country from deepening violence, economic hardship, and public despair.
The message was delivered by The Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Chair of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), during the reading of the Christmas and New Year Message to the People of South Sudan.
The statement draws inspiration from the biblical message of hope: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
In a candid reflection on the state of the nation, the church leaders acknowledged that this year’s Christmas comes at a time of severe economic crisis, persistent violence, and widespread suffering among citizens who struggle daily to meet basic needs.
They noted that many South Sudanese desires nothing more than peace, yet continue to bear the burden of insecurity, displacement, and poverty.
The churches warned that public trust has been deeply eroded by the repeated failure of political leaders and elites to fully implement genuine and lasting peace agreements.
Despite this, they encouraged citizens not to lose hope, reminding them that the message of Christmas is one of renewal, consolation, and peace for broken hearts.
“We urge our leaders to stop all forms of war, for there is no victory in war,” the statement reads.
The church leaders called on the country’s leadership to abandon violence and political maneuvering and instead commit to truthful and sincere dialogue as the only path to resolving South Sudan’s conflicts.
Central to this call is a demand for true forgiveness and confidence-building measures, beginning with the government taking the lead by releasing all political opponents detained or facing politically motivated charges, including those undergoing court trials in Juba.
The churches stressed that opening a new page for inclusive political dialogue both within the country and with holdout groups is essential for restoring trust and national unity.
Quoting the book of Isaiah, the leaders appealed for reasoned engagement and reconciliation: “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through dialogue grounded in justice, mercy, and mutual respect.
The message also extended gratitude to regional and international partners for their continued support and accompaniment of South Sudan on its peace journey.
However, the churches cautioned that the current situation requires renewed courage and commitment, noting that frustration and hopelessness are growing among the population after years of unfulfilled promises.
They urged the international community to help inspire political leaders toward peaceful solutions and to urgently address the desperate humanitarian situation, calling for increased humanitarian assistance to communities most affected by conflict and recurrent flooding.
Addressing South Sudanese citizens directly, the church leaders appealed to peace-loving and God-fearing people to actively work for peace during the festive season and into the new year.
They called for an end to the fueling of violence and hatred, urging communities to pray for peace and renew both spiritual and human bonds.
“Let us renew our spiritual and human closeness among ourselves, so that through the support of each of us, we may feel the concrete reality of God’s love,” the message stated.
The leaders concluded by praying that Christmas and the coming year, 2026, would mark a conversion of hearts, the rejection of war, and a renewed commitment to peace and justice.
They invoked Isaiah’s call “to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1).
The message was jointly signed by senior church leaders, including His Eminence Dr. Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla, Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba; Rt. Rev. James Makuei Chuol, Moderator of the 34th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCSS); Rt. Rev. Thomas Tut Puot, Moderator of the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC), along with many other faith leaders.
They closed with prayers and steadfast hope, reaffirming the churches’ commitment to stand with the people of South Sudan in their longing for peace, justice, and a dignified future.
