By Yiep Joseph
The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) has declared the recently held church’s 35th General Assembly meeting illegal, citing that the 34th assembly’s mandate remains effective until December 2028.
The faith-based institution cited that it was conducted without the knowledge or authorisation of the church’s legitimate leadership.
In a press statement issued from the church’s headquarters in Juba on Wednesday, the PCOSS administration expressed concern over reports circulating on social media that a group of pastors led by Rev. James Kuong Ninrew had convened what they described as the church’s 35th General Assembly.
“The said General Assembly conducted recently is illegal and should not be recognised as a legitimate body,” the church said.
According to the statement, the church’s current governing body remains the 34th General Assembly, which was convened in Juba in 2020.
The administration said the assembly’s mandate was officially extended on February 28, 2026, and remains in force until December 2028.
The church explained that the 34th General Assembly elected Rt. Rev. James Makuei Choul Kok as moderator following the leadership transition from the Very Rev. Peter Gai Lual Marow.
It also noted that Rev. James Kuong Ninrew was among the 201 delegates representing the church’s ten area presbyteries during that assembly.
Citing Article 10, Section 30(a) of the PCOSS by-laws, the church said only the moderator, in consultation with the general secretary, has the constitutional authority to convene meetings of the general assembly, executive committee, and subcommittee.
“Most significantly, the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and the Sub-Committee meetings shall be convened by the authority of the Moderator of the General Assembly in consultation with the General Secretary,” the statement read.
The church questioned the legitimacy of the reported assembly, asking, “Who handed over the 34th General Assembly administration for them to conduct the 35th General Assembly?”
PCOSS urged its members, media organisations, government institutions, and the public not to recognise or engage with the group behind the reported meeting.
“We advise all the faithful, the media houses, and other legal institutions to distance themselves from this group. They should not be allowed to cause confusion and should not be dealt with, as they are considered outlaws according to the Presbyterian Church Constitution,” it read.
The church further advised anyone seeking clarification on the matter to contact the Office of the Moderator of the 34th General Assembly, Rt. Rev. James Makuei Choul Kok, at St. John’s Parish in Nyokuron West, Jebel, Juba.
Rev. James Kuong Ninrew and the organisers of the reported 35th General Assembly had not publicly responded to the church’s allegations at the time of publication.