IS THE SOUTH SUDAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES MONETISED OR POLITICISED? Examining Its Silence amid Ongoing National Turmoil

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25-1-2026

Torit

The Call to Serve

Religious institutions have historically played a critical role in defending human dignity, advocating for justice, and mediating peace during times of political crisis. In Uganda, for example, the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU) demonstrated this moral responsibility when, three days after the recent presidential elections, its leaders visited the raided home of opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Their public act of solidarity, offering encouragement and prayer to the affected family, affirmed the Church’s pastoral and prophetic mandate, even as political persecution persisted.

The Sudan Council of Churches, established around 1964, was founded on core principles that included advocacy for good governance, equitable representation, and peace and reconciliation. For decades, the Council upheld these values and played a visible role in national struggles, including the liberation movement that culminated in South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Today, however, questions arise regarding the Council’s diminished public voice amid the country’s prolonged crisis.

The Rhythm of Conflict

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) continues to organise workshops and forums on peace and reconciliation. While these initiatives are important, they appear increasingly disconnected from the lived realities of citizens who endure recurring cycles of violence, displacement, and insecurity. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, there has been limited public condemnation by the churches of the widespread abuses committed against civilians, despite their proximity to communities directly affected by the war.

This perceived silence contrasts sharply with the moral clarity the Church once demonstrated during the struggle for self-determination, raising concerns about whether its influence and resolve have weakened over time.

Political Persecution and Governance

South Sudan is also experiencing continued political repression, particularly against opposition figures who are legitimate stakeholders in the nation’s future. As these actors face intimidation, detention, and exclusion, the absence of a strong ecclesiastical response is striking, especially given the Council’s stated commitment to principles of justice, accountability, and good governance.

Fragile Peace

Repeated collapses of peace agreements suggest deeper structural and leadership failures. As a recognised moral guarantor and custodian of peace, the SSCC is uniquely positioned to urge political leaders to prioritise dialogue and respect for the rule of law. Its limited engagement in publicly challenging actions that undermine peace invites scrutiny and concern from citizens who look to the Church for moral leadership.

A Call to Renewed Moral Leadership

For many believers, scriptural mandates such as those found in Psalm 82:1–4, calling for the defence of the poor, the weak, and the oppressed, remain central to the Church’s mission. These principles demand not only pastoral care but also courageous public witness in times of injustice.

In light of ongoing war rhetoric, population displacement, and the persecution of critics and political opponents, there is a growing expectation that the South Sudan Council of Churches will more assertively exercise its moral authority. This includes speaking out against violence, condemning actions that violate human dignity, and engaging all parties to accelerate a sustainable and inclusive peace process.

Recent events, including the killing of clergy members and public statements by senior officials that endorsed indiscriminate violence coded “SPARE NO ONE”, further underscore the urgency of a clear and principled response from the Council.

The question, therefore, is not whether the South Sudan Council of Churches possesses moral authority, but whether it is prepared to exercise it fully and independently in the service of peace, justice, and national healing.

 Pastor Abunerry, Ayella 

Writer, Critic, Rabii