Fr. Paul Igweta of AMECEA urged South Sudan’s Churches to take the lead in the constitutional-making process during a recent workshop. He emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and community engagement, drawing from experiences in Kenya. NCRC Secretary-General John Natana Abraham and Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala also highlighted the Church’s critical role in ensuring a constitution that represents the people and promotes peace ahead of elections.
Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta, the Coordinator for Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) at AMECEA, recently highlighted the crucial role of South Sudan’s Churches in fostering a peaceful environment for constitutional reform. Speaking at a three-day workshop on Civic Education and Observer Mission, he urged the Church to actively participate in the constitutional-making process to ensure that the new constitution accurately represents the desires of the populace.
Fr. Igweta emphasized the necessity of inclusive dialogue in this process. Drawing on previous experiences from Kenya, he stated that constitution-making is a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of various sectors, including the Church. By taking a leadership role, the Church can help create a constitution that resonates with the people rather than serving individual or political interests.
John Natana Abraham, Secretary-General of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), addressed the participants on the second day, detailing the commission’s progress amidst its challenges. He reiterated that the Church’s engagement is vital for rallying political support and ensuring a smooth transition during the constitutional process.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese emphasized the importance of a well-structured constitution for safeguarding future peace, particularly as elections approach. He urged for early preparations for electoral processes, highlighting the Church’s role in elevating community voices during the constitutional review.
Fr. Paul Igweta reaffirmed AMECEA’s commitment to aiding Bishops’ Conferences in their peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts, demonstrating a clear capacity for spiritual leadership within the broader context of societal stability.
The recent workshop convened by AMECEA illustrates the vital role of the Church in South Sudan’s constitutional-making process. Fr. Igweta, alongside other Church leaders, stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and community engagement. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that the new constitution reflects the will of the people and contributes to lasting peace ahead of upcoming elections.
Original Source: communications.amecea.org
