![Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Primate of Episcopal Church of South Sudan, listens to a reporter during a press conference in Juba in Juba on Wednesday, 25 August 2021 [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Badi.jpg?resize=1024%2C532&quality=89&ssl=1)
The call comes after a series of clashes between rival groups over the ownership of the church.
In August, youth and chiefs of Makuac Payam, with support from some intellectuals, shut down Langbar Episcopal Church and welded its gate.
A bishop and 27 Christians were also arrested and detained following the melee.
In a press conference on Thursday, Archbishop Dr. Arama condemned the attack on bishops in Bor and the burning of a bishop’s car on Morobo-Kaya road. He also called for the reopening of St. Peter Church in Langbar.
“We strongly condemn the attack of bishops in Bor and the burning of bishop’s car on Morobo-Kaya road and the closure of the church of St. Peter at Lang-bar and we request for reopening of that church,” Dr. Arama said during the conclusion of a 6-day bishop’s conference.
He also cautioned politicians against meddling in church affairs.
“We urge the local community leaders and politicians to distance themselves from church affairs and we call on all Christians to continue in prayers for our nation and to support the refugees and returnees coming in from neighboring countries.”
The ECSS has been plagued by internal conflict since Badi defrocked Bishop Reuben Akurdit Ngong in August 2020, accusing him of canonical disobedience. Akurdit unsuccessfully tried to get restored by the secular courts, which referred the matter back to the church.
The Rt. Rev. Moses Anur Ayom replaced Akurdit as the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Jonglei and Bishop of Bor, and ever since, the followers of the two men have been clashing.
The closure of Langbar Episcopal Church is a symbol of the deep divisions within the ECSS. Archbishop Dr. Arama’s call for reopening the church is a step towards healing and reconciliation within the church.
