South Sudan’s religious leaders have condemned the killing of Rev. Christopher Maring, a pastor of the Africa Inland Church (AIC), describing the attack as a brutal assault on faith, human dignity, and the fragile security of the nation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Religious Leaders Forum, chaired by Archbishop Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, denounced the killing as “heinous, cowardly, and morally indefensible,” warning that continued violence against civilians and clergy threatens the moral fabric of South Sudanese society.
“This evil and senseless act is a grave sin against God, an attack on the Church, and a direct violation of the sanctity of human life,” the Forum said. “There is no justification moral, cultural, or political for the shedding of innocent blood.”
According to preliminary accounts, Rev. Maring was shot dead on Wednesday night when six unidentified armed men stormed his residence in Gudele, Juba.
The attackers reportedly forced their way into the compound, threatening the pastor’s wife and children. After hearing the commotion, Rev. Maring emerged from another room and was severely beaten before being shot multiple times at close range.
Security sources say one of the assailants sustained injuries during the confrontation and failed to escape with the others.
The wounded suspect was later apprehended and is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard, while the remaining attackers fled the scene and are still being pursued.
The Religious Leaders Forum described Rev. Maring as a devoted servant of God whose life and ministry were rooted in peace, compassion, and service to the community.
His death, the Forum said, represents a profound loss not only to the Africa Inland Church but also to the wider South Sudanese society.
“Rev. Christopher Maring was a humble and faithful shepherd who dedicated his life to guiding others toward hope, reconciliation, and moral values,” the statement read.
“His brutal murder has robbed the Church and the nation of a voice that stood for peace in a time when our people desperately need it.”
Religious leaders warned that repeated acts of violence, particularly against clergy and other non-combatants, are deepening fear and eroding public confidence in state protection.
“This violence threatens the soul of our nation and compounds the suffering of a population already yearning for peace, justice, and security,” the Forum said, noting that such crimes risk normalizing lawlessness and impunity.
The Forum called on the government and all security organs to act decisively, urging a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the killing.
“We appeal to the authorities to ensure that all those responsible both the perpetrators and anyone who aided them are identified and brought to justice without delay,” the statement stressed. “Failure to do so will only fuel fear, embolden criminals, and weaken the rule of law.”
Religious leaders also appealed to the public to remain calm and reject revenge, emphasizing the need for unity, prayer, and cooperation with security agencies as investigations continue.
Condolences were extended to the family of Rev. Maring, the leadership and members of the Africa Inland Church, and all South Sudanese grieving the loss of a pastor they described as a faithful servant and a man of peace.
As of Thursday evening, police had not issued a formal statement detailing the motive behind the attack or confirming further arrests, but investigations are ongoing.
