By Alan Clement
Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor has urged for a peaceful succession in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan as Archbishop Alapayo Manyang retires, calling leaders to uphold unity, wisdom, and orderly transition.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the governor made the appeal on Sunday, December 28, 2025, during a gathering at St. Barnabas Cathedral in Rumbek, the central seat of the Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province.
The Governor attended to formally extend his best wishes to Archbishop Alapayo ahead of his retirement, expected within 72 hours.
Governor Rin Tueny described the moment as a critical transition for the church and the wider community, emphasizing that leadership changes within major religious institutions carry broader social significance in Lakes State.
“The Governor urged the eleven bishops of the Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province to exercise wisdom, unity, and peace as they undertake the process of selecting a successor capable of continuing the exemplary leadership demonstrated by His Grace Archbishop Alapayo Manyang,” the Governor’s Office stated in a statement.
Archbishop Alapayo Manyang currently serves as Dean of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Archbishop of Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province, and Diocesan Bishop of Rumbek, positions that have placed him at the center of ecclesiastical leadership and community mediation across the province.
During his remarks at the cathedral, Governor Rin Tueny expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s long service, acknowledging his role in promoting peace, moral guidance, and social cohesion during challenging periods in the region.
The Governor commended Archbishop Alapayo for his dedication to the church and to the people, and encouraged Christians and residents of Lakes State to pray for him as he transitions from active ecclesiastical leadership.
The governor further underscored the need for continuity in values and leadership style, stressing that the successor should be a figure capable of preserving unity within the church and maintaining its stabilizing influence in society.
Church leadership transitions in South Sudan often attract close public attention, given the prominent role religious institutions play in community reconciliation, peacebuilding, and social services, particularly in post-conflict settings.
Governor Rin Tueny used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of collaboration between the state government and faith-based institutions, describing the church as a key partner in addressing social challenges and fostering peaceful coexistence.
He reaffirmed his continued support to the church and stated that “his administration will continue to work closely with religious leaders in the interest of peace and stability in Lakes State,” the Governor’s Office said.
Governor Rin also indicated that Archbishop Alapayo’s retirement would not mark the end of his contribution to public life, noting that he intends to continue drawing on the Archbishop’s wisdom and counsel in addressing broader governance challenges.
In his closing remarks, Governor Rin Tueny extended early New Year wishes to the people of Lakes State, calling for unity, peace, and collective responsibility as the state enters the new year.
The retirement of Archbishop Alapayo Manyang marks the end of a significant chapter in the leadership of the Episcopal Church in Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province, with attention now turning to the bishops’ decision on succession and its implications for church unity and community stability.