June 20, 2010. Sudan is the largest country in Africa. The humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region has kept the country in the news since 2003. This bloodshed mars the brief history of Sudan; political and ethnic divisions are its biggest obstacles in development.
Msgr. Rudolf Deng Majak
President of the Episcopal Conference of Sudan
“There is a generation that has not known peace. When you talk to them about peace they cannot make a sense of it. What is peace? They know how to rob, they know how to lie, they know how to cheat, abuse, how to feed their stomachs and they don't care about others.”
The bishop explains that healing the wounds of war and reconciling communities are the greatest challenges the Church facess in Sudan.
Msgr. Rudolf Deng Majak
President of the Episcopal Conference of Sudan
“Trying to heal people from the anger, the resentment, the hatred there is in their hearts, that has to be removed. It is more damaging than the lack of food. If we do not forgive we become less human beings.”
Catholocism is a minority religion in Sudan, with only 8 percent of the population practicing. The bishop says the main problem is a lack of priests. Missionaries are growing older and new life is needed.
Msgr. Rudolf Deng Majak
President of the Episcopal Conference of Sudan
“Our Christianity has grown but it is under threat, under the threat of poverty, of sects, Islam, lack of development.”
Sudan's first multiparty elections in 24 years took place in April, and a referendum on the situation in Darfur has been set for January 2011. The bishop calls on political leaders to take note of the the country's changes.
Msgr. Rudolf Deng Majak
President of the Episcopal Conference of Sudan
“To lead people to help their lives, and not lead people to conflicts every time they come to power. The people must enjoy the good things of life God has given, drink good clean water, good security, education, health, roads, transport. These are services that enhance the human dignity.”
The UN Mission and the African have denounced the increasing violence in Sudan. The latest figures say that some 400,000 are dead and more than 2 million have been displaced since the start of the conflict in 2003.
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