South Sudan: Christians and Muslims pray together for peace
(June 28, 2011) Representatives of the Christian churches and Muslim minority prayed
together for peace among all ethnic groups and faiths, at a meeting in the centre
of Juba on Friday. The country officially becomes independent from Khartoum on 9th
of July. “Diversity must be a source of strength and not conflict”, said Father José
Vieira, a Comboni missionary and reporter of the Catholic Radio Bakhita, who took
part. The participants included representatives of 13 Christian churches and of the
Muslim community, a majority in the North. Participants prayed that differences still
remaining from 23 years of civil war can be resolved through dialogue rather than
violence. Fr. Vieira said there is concern over the conflict in South Kordofan, where
it is reported that Khartoum’s armed forces are committing acts of violence on an
ethnic basis. He said he was especially concerned for the Nuba and other black communities
that live in that area.