SW News: In a pastoral letter to the Churches of South Sudan and to Norwegian Church Aid, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed shock and sadness over the news of an attack on aid vehicles in Imehejek in South Sudan. He said the fraternity of Churches condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack on civilians and humanitarian workers.

Dr Jerry said that seven local staff attending a peace conference were reportedly killed. “The fact that the victims were on a humanitarian mission and promoting peace and human dignity in their country makes this tragedy even more painful. This incident occurs against the background of several recent violent attacks, killings, and increased inter-communal conflict in various parts of South Sudan,” wrote the reverend in the letter.

He urged the faithful to stand together in solidarity with one another, upholding each other in prayers, supporting those who are made vulnerable socially and economically, the displaced persons, and those who have lost their means of livelihood due to crisis and disaster.

“We are frail and weak when we stand alone but strong and resilient when we stand together. I encourage the churches and South Sudanese people to stand together in the pursuit of justice, reconciliation, and unity in these difficult times. In addition to the tragic loss of precious lives and the suffering of their families, such senseless violence undermines unity and the cause of peace and justice in South Sudanese communities that are already fragile,” he wrote.

“The WCC conveys its solidarity, support, and prayer to all the churches and people of South Sudan as they seek to fulfill their essential ministry for justice, reconciliation, unity, and human dignity and rights at this difficult and dangerous moment in the life of the nation. We pray that you may experience the presence and the love of God even in the midst of these challenges,” the letter concludes.