Letter of Solidarity to Archbishop of Juba on Situation in South Sudan, January 2, 2014

January 2, 2014

Most Reverend Paulino Lukudu Loro
Archbishop of Juba
Catholic Church
P.O Box 32
Juba, Republic of South Sudan
Sent Via FAX

Your Excellency:

Having visited Juba in August, the news coming out of South Sudan in recent weeks has been particularly disturbing. Here in the United States we mourn for the lives lost and for the thousands of displaced families.

During my visit I had the honor of meeting with His Lordship Santo Loku Pio in your absence. I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Most Reverend Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul. He and many others shared with me the work of the Church to promote reconciliation and healing. We also had the opportunity to meet with the staff of Catholic Relief Services and Caritas.

In the midst of the current crisis, we are very aware of the critical role being played by the Church in calling for peace and reconciliation and in sheltering many who are displaced. We are with you in Spirit. We have been encouraging our government to work with the Church and people of South Sudan to promote peace and to deliver humanitarian assistance.

Please know of our prayers and solidarity at this challenging time for your young nation.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Richard E. Pates
Bishop of Des Moines
Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace

cc: His Lordship Santo Loku Pio

solidarity-letter-to-archbishop-lukudu-loro-from-bishop-pates-on-situation-in-south-sudan-2014-01-02.pdf