South Sudan: Church works for reconciliation

The diocese of Rumbek has been host this week to a workshop on Catholic Social Teaching in light of the Post-Synodal Exhortation, Africae-munus, which followed the 2009 Synod meeting of Africa’s bishops. One of those participating in the three-day gathering is the Director of Pastoral Services, Solidarity with South Sudan (SSS), Sr. Catherine Arata, who told Vatican Radio’s partner station, Good News Radio - Rumbek, that the proper place of the Church is in the forefront of efforts to end every form of injustice – and that teaching people the principles of Catholic social teaching is one of the best ways to realize the goal of building a better society. “The Church always has to be the voice of the people, she said. “Where there is injustice, the Church has to speak out against that injustice.” Sr. Arata went on to say, “The social teaching of the Church is meant for everyone – and it also has a message for government,” specifically, the government of South Sudan. “It’s hard to forgive,” said Sr. Arata, speaking of the bitter legacy of civil strife in the country, “but I think God is willing to initiate that movement in our hearts.” Listen: