The transitional government of national unity ruled out on Tuesday intervention into the ongoing fighting within the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), following a request by it’s head, Archbishop Justin Badi Arama.
“What we are concerned about is the security of our people, the government is keeping peace and security and waiting for the church to resolve it problems, it is the primate to move now and tell us the way forward,” Michael Makuei Lueth, the minister of information, communication ,technology and postal services told journalists in Juba.
The split within the ECSS happened after the head of the church; Justin Badi Arama defrocked the then Archbishop of Jonglei internal province, Ruben Akurdid Ngong in August last year, after the latter had unilaterally consecrated bishops of the diocese of Anyidi, Makuac and Chueikeer diocese.
“The president has religious right to support the church, we want peace, and we want these young people who are highly agitated not to kill themselves. The government does not and shall not interfere in the affairs of the church or any religious institution in the country,” Makuei said.
On July 27, violence broke out at St Peter’s Parish church between supporters of the current Archbishop of Jonglei internal province, Moses Anur Ayom and supporters of his predecessor Ruben Akurdid, leaving several people injured.
Archbishop Akurdid has been locked in a four -year dispute with the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Justin Badi Arama after he relaced him with Moses Anur Ayom.
It has been alleged by supporters of Archbishop Ayom that politicians are siding with Akurdid’s faction that has exacerbated the situation.
Akurdid last week set his reinstatement for a three-month period as ultimatum to end the long-running feud with the ECSS leadership in Juba.
