Bishops Converge in Juba
A chorus of hymns welcomed 58 Episcopal bishops to Juba for their annual House of Bishops Conference, a tradition uniting clergy from the country’s 61 dioceses (ECSS statement).
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama hailed the safe arrivals, noting that three bishops sent apologies due to unavoidable challenges but remain “with us in spirit.”
Theme: Courage Amid Uncertainty
The 2025 gathering turns to John 16:33: “Take heart.” Arama argues the verse resonates with a nation balancing fragile politics, economic pressures and social recovery.
He told reporters the Church must offer “visible hope” by modelling resilience and advocating dialogue across communities.
Strengthening Pastoral Leadership
Closed-door workshops will refine strategies on youth outreach, trauma counselling and conflict mediation, areas bishops say need sharper focus after multiple floods and local clashes.
Senior clergy plan to share case studies of dioceses where faith-based initiatives eased cattle-raiding tensions and encouraged school enrolment.
Peace and Reconciliation Priority
Organisers expect the final communiqué to underscore the bishops’ role as neutral conveners in county disputes, echoing past successes during 2018’s revitalised peace talks.
“Our presence should calm tempers,” Arama said, urging colleagues to “stand firm as symbols of unity” even when politics grow heated.
Looking Beyond the Two Days
Delegates intend to form task-teams that will track resolutions on gender inclusion, humanitarian partnerships and sustainable livelihoods through 2025.
As the conference closes, a joint prayer will ask for “divine guidance so that every homily, every visit, and every negotiation plants a seed of peace for South Sudan.”