Should We Appoint Religious Advisors to our State Government in order to Foster Peace and Security?

Reflection on the Churches Wanting State Government To Appoint An Advisor From Its Rank

By Nyan Nyiir

I think the idea of the United Evangelical Churches (UEC) in Eastern Equatoria State calling on the state government to appoint a church adviser to the state government is one of the best ideas ever.

In my view, I believe the government has had a hard time reaching a common ground with the citizens when it come to solving problems facing their communities, I think perhaps a religious perspective might be of help, giving the state of things in our country. I understand some people will be arguing that there needs to be a separation between the churches and state’s affairs. I can see the frustration but we need to understand the church is only working as an adviser, it’s not attempting to recruit or influence or dictate the constitution of the country.

The church will be following the rules and regulations of the state government. Therefore, it will not bring its own agenda; instead the only thing they will be working toward is how to reach a peaceful solution to the outstanding issues facing the state. If that is indeed their stated goal, they should be given a chance to prove themselves. Who knows, they could be the light in the tunnel we been waiting for. As we are in a pretty bad shape, any initiative that is aimed toward bringing about security and long lasting peace to the people should not be turned down, but welcomed with open arms so as to give peace a chance.

Boosting peace building capacity and reconciliation among communities in the state is the main objective of the future for the church adviser. This system should be encouraged among all the 10 states of South Sudan because history tells us that there is hope in the people of God and the word of God. Religious people can change the negative mentality into a positive one. Our country is in very much need of that positivity right now because we might get back into the right direction if we have church advisers to the state government all over the country. Should that be the case, then those problems that are out of hand could be turn to religion and look at it from the perspective of what would Jesus do sort of way.

I think truly we are in need of rescue from the so-called hatred, evil and the negativity that has filled our people’s minds and heart and deterred the country from developing and moving forward. We would like the year 2013 to be a year of hope and forgiveness for South Sudan. Opening a new chapter in the country should be our main objective; whatever went wrong in the past we should let go and become hopeful about the future and the good things that lies ahead. May God bless our people and bring us peace and security this year and bless our leaders so they lead this country in the right direction. Forgiveness should be the aim forward in order for our nation to prosper.

You can reach the author through her email address: Nyan Nyiir <nyannyiir@yahoo.com>

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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