Statement addressed to people of SOUTH SUDAN

(September 10, 2011) The Catholic bishops of the Republic of South Sudan, meeting in Plenary Session in Juba from 6th - 8th September 2011, expressed their joy and thanksgiving to God for the peaceful birth of their new nation on 9th July 2011. The challenge for all of us now is nation-building, emphasising unity and integration, the Bishops said., adding that South Sudan must be “one nation from every tribe, tongue and people”. This is a shared responsibility, not just for the government. They encouraged all citizens of South Sudan, with their faith communities, civil society and political parties, to participate in building a new, prosperous and peaceful nation. We encourage a culture of hard work rather than entitlement or dependency. We commit ourselves and our Church to continue to play a proactive and prophetic role in public life, insisting on human rights and responsibilities, and the dignity of the individual, as expressed in the gospel values of Catholic Social Teaching, the Bishops stated..