Armed Groups Urged to Embrace Peace at Munuki Sunday Service

(JUBA) – Peace and development in Central Equatoria State will stall unless armed groups abandon violence, the Catholic Bishop of Yei warned during a Sunday service attended by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

Bishop Alex Lodiong made the appeal at St. Paul Major Seminary Chapel in Munuki, Juba, as the Church marked the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. He said development could only move forward if all groups chose peace over conflict.

Governor Adil praised the Catholic Church for its work in advancing peace, unity and development across the state. He pointed to the Comboni Missionary School as a key institution shaping young people for the future.

The Governor also thanked Bishop Lodiong for spreading the Gospel and called for stronger cooperation between the Church and government to support reconciliation and security stabilisation efforts.

During the service, the Juba Coordination Team and COSSAL executives were officially commissioned. The two bodies will coordinate pastoral services and activities between the Diocese of Yei and the Juba Coordination Team.

Governor Adil attended the Mass with several members of his cabinet. The service closed with prayers for unity, peace and progress in Central Equatoria State and across South Sudan.