On 18 November, 2021, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) issued a statement to show its respect for the Swedish decision to hold Lundin Energy to account for complicity in war crimes. The statement stresses that there can be no peace without justice, no reconciliation outside the truth, and no forgiveness without repentence. The SSCC represents all the Christian Churches of South Sudan. They reiterate their long-standing support for the right to remedy and reparation of victims of oil exploitation and pray that the trial will help to heal the wounds of their sisters and brothers in Unity State. Here is the text of the letter:
SOUTH SUDAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES STATEMENT REGARDING THE DECISION BY THE SWEDISH PROSECUTION AUTHORITY TO BRING CHARGES AGAINST OIL COMPANY LUNDIN ENERGY FOR AIDING AND ABETTING WAR CRIMES COMMITTED IN SOUTH SUDAN
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1: 17). Because “He has told you, 0 man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) respectful of the decision by the Swedish authorities to bring charges against Oil Company Lundin energy for aiding and abetting war crimes committed in South Sudan. There is no peace without justice, no reconciliation outside the truth, no forgiveness without repentance. Many grave crimes have been committed against our people in South Sudan and peace remains elusive without justice, truth and repentance. It is encouraging to know that the Swedish authorities have decided to hold the oil company Lundin Energy to account for its role during the civil war. The CHURCH stood and will always stand with the victims of oil exploitation twenty years ago and they still do today. Victims of abuses in villages and homes around the oil fields have the right to access to remedy and reparation. We hold the Swedish court system in high esteem and trust its wisdom. We pray that the trial will help to heal the wounds of our brothers and sisters in Unity State and pave the road for forgiveness and reconciliation.
SIGNED:
Rt. Rev. Moderator James PAR TAP HON
Chairman, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) &
Moderator, South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN.
The
Most Rev. Dr. Stephen AMEYU MARTIN
Vice Chairman, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) &
Metropolitan Archbishop of JUBA & Apostolic Administrator
Catholic Diocese of TORIT
JUBA – SOUTH.
The Most Rev. Dr. Justin BADI ARAMA
Primate and Archbishop, Province of Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) &
Metropolitan Archbishop of JUBA Diocese
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. Isaiah MAJOK DAU
General Overseer, Sudan Pentecostal Church (SPC)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN.
Rt. Rev. Bishop James LAGOS ALEXANDER
Presiding Bishop, Africa Inland Church (AIC)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. Isaiah MAJOK DAU
General Overseer, Sudan Pentecostal Church (SPC)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN.
Rt. Rev. Moderator James MAKUEI CHUOL
Moderator of General Assembly
Presbyterian Church of South ·udan & Sudan (PCSS/S)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN
Fr. James OYET LATANSIO PhD
General Secretary
South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC)
JUBA – SOUTH SUDAN
