Sudan bishops give message of hope before vote
Caritas Internationalis, partner of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, has posted a message from the Catholic bishops of Sudan in which they reflect on the upcoming referenda in their country.
As have many people of faith, they issue a call for prayer:
We call upon all people of good will to pray for peace now, during the referendum period, and afterwards within the richness of your own religious traditions. We draw attention to our own 101 days of prayer for a peaceful referendum, and we invite everyone to join us in this season of prayer.
Looking at the upcoming events in their country, the bishops affirm that people is possible.
Regardless of the choices made and the lines drawn, peace is possible.
They call people to look forward and to join them in a commitment to working for a just and peaceful future.
We must now look beyond the referenda. All people of good will are called upon to commit themselves to respect the choices of the people of the south, Abyei and the transitional areas and to work for a just and peaceful future for all the people of Sudan and the region. Whether the outcome is unity or secession, Sudan will never be the same again because the people have exercised their free and democratic choice.
They close with the prayer of Saint Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!
May all the people of Sudan be instruments of peace who create a symphony of justice.
Read the full statement from the bishops.