By Chol D. Johnson
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia in the United States, Philip LaBelle, has called on South Sudanese to embrace peace, unity, and reconciliation as the country continues to face conflict and displacement.
Bishop LaBelle made the remarks on Sunday after a church service at St. Joseph Cathedral in Juba during a spiritual and humanitarian visit by a delegation from the Diocese of Olympia.
“It is such an honour to share in the body of Christ together. We are praying for peace, unity, and healing in South Sudan,” LaBelle told journalists.
The delegation, visiting South Sudan for the first time, also toured camps for internally displaced persons in Mangala, east of Juba, where they met vulnerable families affected by conflict and displacement.
LaBelle urged South Sudanese communities to reject division based on ethnicity and language and instead promote peaceful coexistence.
“God sees us all as His children. We must learn to love one another and build a beloved community rooted in peace,” he said.
He described the conditions in Mangala camp as difficult, saying many displaced families felt forgotten and lacked adequate support. He appealed to both the government and humanitarian organisations to continue supporting vulnerable communities.
During the visit, the delegation distributed birth kits to 100 midwives, as well as mosquito nets and medicines to displaced families and mothers.
Carla Robinson, a member of the delegation, said her first visit to South Sudan challenged many perceptions she had previously heard abroad.
“People in America often describe South Sudan as dangerous and troubled, but they did not tell me about the joy, peace, and strong sense of community among the people,” Robinson said.
She added that she was deeply moved by the resilience of displaced families living in difficult conditions.
“I will take back a sense of community that survives even in suffering,” she said.
Mary Achol Bol said the delegation was warmly welcomed by the Anglican Church leadership and communities during their stay.
“We are here to bring love and blessings to the people of South Sudan. Far away we might be, but our hearts are here,” Achol said.
She expressed hope that women in South Sudan would one day have access to safe maternity facilities and quality healthcare during childbirth.
“Our prayer is that no one should sleep worrying whether they will wake up tomorrow. We are one blood, one people and one body in Christ,” she added.
Meanwhile, Peter Adum Deng welcomed the delegation and praised the Diocese of Olympia for its solidarity and humanitarian support to the people of South Sudan.
He expressed hope for stronger cooperation and more visits in the future to support development and peacebuilding efforts in the country.