By James Innocent
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, has called on Christians at St. Mark Parish to strengthen unity, cooperation, and community development.
He said that the church has an important role to play in bringing people together.
Speaking during Sunday Mass at the parish on September 6, Malimbo urged worshippers to remain united and work together to improve both the church and the wider community.
He also appealed to church leaders and parishioners to maintain cleanliness around the church premises, linking the call to the county government’s initiative to dedicate one day each month to cleaning Yei town.
“The church should also be part of efforts to keep our community clean,” Malimbo said.
As part of his support for the parish, the commissioner pledged US$200 towards its development. He said the money would contribute to the purchase of cement for flooring work inside the church.
Malimbo also commended Emeritus Bishop Hillary Adeba for his continued prayers and support for the people of Yei, saying strong spiritual guidance could help promote unity among the county’s diverse communities.
The Mass also featured the baptism of two children. A church leader urged parents to take an active role in their children’s spiritual upbringing and encouraged families to participate fully in baptism ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has appointed Reverend Angelina Ariel as administrator of St. Mark Parish, where she will assist the parish pastor.
The appointment was made by ECSS Bishop Levi Marandulu Yopete.
Ariel thanked the church leadership and the people of Yei for entrusting her with the responsibility. She said she comes from Rumbek in Lakes State and stressed that people from Rumbek living in Yei are part of the wider community.
She described the parishioners of St. Mark as people committed to peace and called for continued cooperation among members of the church.
Emeritus Bishop Hillary Adeba, in his message, also urged Christians to promote unity and love while rejecting tribal discrimination.
He said the church should remain a place where people live together in peace and harmony regardless of their tribal or regional backgrounds.
The messages from the county leadership and church leaders placed unity, peace, and community cooperation at the centre of the service, as St. Mark Parish continues its role in serving the people of Yei.