Catholic Bishop castigates xenophobia

(April 18, 2012) A Catholic Bishop has castigated sentiments of xenophobia expressed by a section of South Sudanese, maintaining that these feelings go against Christian teachings and the indigenous traditions. Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of the Catholic Diocese of Wau, regretted the strong feelings of dislike of foreigners in South Sudan expressed by a section of his compatriots, explaining that South Sudan, like other African nations, has had the legendary reputation of being hospitable to foreigner and strangers. He said that xenophobia is evil and should not be allowed to raise its ugly head in the new nation, cautioning South Sudanese against politicians, who sow seeds of discord among human beings by propagating hatred against non-citizens. Bishop Deng Majak recalled the spirit of generosity that has characterized the people of South Sudan as they strived to surmount the many challenges of life, adding that this practice of charity has resulted in abundant blessings and needs to be sustained. The Bishop further urged Christians in South Sudan to be influenced by gospel values, reminding them that the last judgment will be based on how open and welcoming they have been to others as recorded in the 25th Chapter of Mathew’s Gospel. Xenophobia is becoming a major problem for foreigners in South Sudan, a place that used to have a reputation for hospitality, openness and friendliness.