Catholic Bishop in South Sudan Urges Christians to Embrace True Discipleship in Building Peace

Bentiu, 22 June, 2026 / 5:02 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Christian Carlassare of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Bentiu has invited the people of God under his pastoral care to move beyond being mere followers of Christ and embrace authentic discipleship as a pathway to fostering peace, reconciliation, and hope in the world’s youngest nation.

In a reflection shared on Sunday, June 21, Bishop Carlassare linked the Gospel message to the realities facing the East-Central African nation, noting that the call to discipleship carries particular significance for a people who have endured conflict, displacement, and other forms of suffering.

“Here in Bentiu, in a land that has experienced many challenges and suffering, the Gospel invites us not to remain spectators of faith, free from paralyzing fear and doubt,” the Italian-born Bishop of the South Sudan Episcopal See said.

He urged the faithful to respond actively to Christ’s call by becoming instruments of reconciliation in their families, communities, and the nation at large, saying, “Jesus calls us to be chosen, loved, and active participants in the mission of the Church, bringing reconciliation, peace, and hope to our families, our communities, and our nation.”

The member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) emphasized that true Christian discipleship requires believers to move beyond passive participation in the life of the Church and become witnesses of God’s love through their actions and relationships with others.