“Church will not keep quiet” as official and activist urge dialogue

2026-03-23 - 08:44

Religious leaders in South Sudan have vowed to continue speaking out on issues affecting citizens, emphasizing their role in guiding communities toward peace and reconciliation, even as government officials call for constructive dialogue. Moses Telar Cindut, Director of Religious Affairs in the Office of Presidential Affairs, urged stronger engagement between church leaders and the country’s top leadership. He said practical collaboration and trust-building are essential for long-term peace. “There must be a fellowship because the church proposed the fellowship with the president... Our approach now with the president is like Moses crossing the Red Sea. If we talk to God, God will talk to the president and open the door for religious leaders,” Cindut said. The call comes after the government last week reminded the South Sudan Council of Churches that the judicial process involving Riek Machar must remain independent. Authorities warned that releasing individuals before court proceedings conclude could undermine justice and weaken the rule of law. While valuing the moral voice of faith-based institutions, the government emphasized it must remain constructive and avoid partisan politics. Faith leaders and civic voices have welcomed dialogue as the way forward. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, stressed that open communication and rejecting confrontation are vital. “Number one is dialogue. Listening to each other and honoring what you have been told by the other should be one of the bases for the church working together with the government. Both the leadership of the church and the government should not entertain individuals who thrive on confrontation between the two,” Yakani said. Moses Deng Bol highlighted the moral responsibility of religious leaders to speak out when citizens suffer and to guide communities toward peace. “Religious leaders will speak out because there is no access... The church will not keep quiet. It is a moral obligation. Peace in this country will not come from one direction. All should be welcome to participate in peace-building and reconciliation. Religious leaders have a role to disarm people’s hearts and minds through the word of God,” Bol said. The leaders agreed that regular meetings, honest conversations, and constructive cooperation between religious institutions and the government are key to fostering accountability, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing lasting peace across South Sudan.