The Church has always stood at the heart of South Sudan’s struggle, hope, and identity. In a nation wounded by conflict, mistrust, and political fragmentation, the Church remains one of the few institutions that still enjoys trust across communities, tribes, and political divides. Because of this, it carries a unique and urgent responsibility to champion peace.
The church Is the only broadly neutral institution
While political actors have become deeply polarized, the Church remains a moral sanctuary respected in both government and opposition-held areas.
Its neutrality enables it to mediate truthfully and courageously without fear of political bias.
The church speaks with moral and spiritual authority
South Sudan is a deeply faith-driven nation. When the Church calls for peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice, people listen. The voice of the Church can heal where laws and agreements have failed.
The church unites tribes under one body of christ
The Church transcends ethnic identities that often fuel conflict. It reminds South Sudanese that they belong first to God before tribe called to love, not to divide. The Gospel remains the most powerful tool against tribalism.
The church Is connected to every village and household
No other institution has such a widespread presence. Through parishes, dioceses, youth groups, women’s fellowships, and clergy, the Church can mobilize grassroots peace from the family level up to the national leadership.
The church has proven its role in historical struggles
During war and liberation, the Church defended the vulnerable and championed human dignity when institutions collapsed. Today, that same role must continue this time to defeat the enemy of violent division and revenge.
The church can hold leaders accountable to justice
Peace without justice is fragile. The Church must boldly call leaders to truth, repentance, transparency, and servant leadership, reminding them that power is a stewardship from God.
The church carries hope that peace Is still possible
Even in suffering, the Church keeps the flame of hope alive. It teaches that change begins in the heart and that forgiveness is stronger than hatred offering spiritual healing that politics alone cannot provide.
The call to action
For South Sudan to heal and rise, the Church must: Become louder and bolder for peace and justice, strengthen civic education rooted in biblical values, actively facilitate dialogues between divided communities, empower youth and women as agents of reconciliation, condemn violence unequivocally no matter who commits it.
The Church is not just a place of worship it is the frontline of South Sudan’s peace. If the Church does not lead the nation toward healing, unity, and forgiveness, who else can?
Now is the time for the Church to stand as the moral compass of the Republic of South Sudan raising the bar as a herald of peace, a protector of the vulnerable, and a bridge of unity for God’s people.
Hon. Mogga Charles Guya, Secretary for Foreign Affairs – SSNMC, bears full responsibility for the views expressed herein, which are not the views of Standard Zone News.
