WCC general secretary and Ellen Margrethe Løj discuss peace process in South Sudan

By World Council of Churches (WCC)

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 26, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The peace process in South Sudan and efforts from churches towards reconciliation were the focus of a meeting between Ellen Margrethe Løj, special representative and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The meeting was held on 25 March at the WCC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I have had a very useful meeting with the staff members of the World Council of Churches, where we have discussed the absence of the peace agreement in South Sudan,” shared Løj.

“A peace agreement in South Sudan is needed. And I can only encourage all parties to contribute to the achievement of a peace agreement for the benefit of the people of South Sudan,” she added.

In the meeting, the WCC general secretary highlighted the churches' commitment towards a “just peace” in South Sudan, mentioning initiatives undertaken by the South Sudanese churches.

“We would like to confirm our commitment as the World Council of Churches to accompany the churches in the country and the South Sudan Council of Churches – as they speak on behalf of the people and call their leaders to make peace,” said Tveit.

“For us it is also important to work with the UN and see how we can take new initiatives to support churches and help in the progress of peace negotiations – something desperately needed by the churches and the people of South Sudan,” he added.

The WCC has been deeply engaged in the peace process in South Sudan. The country has suffered conflict since December 2013. The WCC has been supporting the local churches engaged in peace talks to resolve the crisis. The WCC Executive Committee issued a Minute on South Sudan in 2014 asking all the stakeholders to “recommit themselves to a sustained and long term process of reconciliation and healing, in order to build confidence among citizens, restore trust and to promote peace”.