Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla of South Sudan asserted that synodality can facilitate peace in his war-torn nation, emphasizing dialogue among Church leaders and citizens. He highlighted persistent conflicts post-independence and the challenges posed by ongoing instability in Sudan. Mulla urged for the implementation of a revitalized peace agreement and called for a leadership model focused on service.
In a recent press conference at the Vatican, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla from the Archdiocese of Juba, South Sudan, emphasized the potential of synodality as a method to foster peace in his country. Cardinal Mulla remarked, “The synod journey helps us the Church to resolve many problems together.” He believes that engaging in prayerful dialogue can effectively address the persistent issues facing both the Church and society in South Sudan, which has struggled with conflict since its independence from Sudan in 2011. Cardinal Mulla highlighted that as part of a single bishops’ conference, the bishops from South Sudan and Sudan must confront the historical tensions and political challenges that have arisen from their shared past of conflict. He observed, “We have tried our best to continue to help the poor people of South Sudan and Sudan.” Furthermore, he called for increased dialogue among South Sudanese citizens as a mechanism to address ongoing instability. Despite hopes for progress following a revitalized peace agreement in 2018, Cardinal Mulla lamented, “after they left [Rome], they did not implement the revitalized peace agreement,” resulting in continued unrest. He reiterated the bishops’ collective insistence on the need for the terms of the agreement to be duly fulfilled. Regarding the broader context, Cardinal Mulla noted that while the Church is experiencing growth—illustrated by the establishment of a new diocese in July—South Sudan remains mired in social and political regression. He expressed profound concern for neighboring Sudan, which has been engulfed in an ongoing civil war since April 2023, resulting in grave humanitarian crises. Ultimately, Cardinal Mulla advocates for a renewed focus on leadership that prioritizes service over power, stating that synodality is key to reshaping the perspectives of both political and Church leaders. “Without dialogue we cannot settle things in the church nor in the political arena,” he affirmed, reiterating the importance of working collaboratively to resolve South Sudan’s challenges.
South Sudan emerged from an extended liberation struggle, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The forecast for peace was soon overshadowed by internal conflict, which erupted into civil war in 2013. Despite efforts culminating in a Vatican-mediated peace agreement in 2020, the region remains fraught with instability. The interconnected crises faced by South Sudan and its northern neighbor, Sudan, exacerbated by the latter’s ongoing civil war, have led to immense humanitarian challenges. Cardinal Mulla’s emphasis on synodality reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaborative dialogue among both ecclesiastical and political leaders to address these complex issues.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla’s advocacy for synodality as a pathway towards peace in South Sudan illustrates a deep commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding amidst ongoing conflict. By emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among Church leaders and the broader South Sudanese community, he outlines a critical framework for addressing the enduring socio-political challenges the nation faces. His insights shed light on the intertwined fates of South Sudan and Sudan, and the urgent need for a concerted effort to realize the goals of peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.pillarcatholic.com
