The head of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin, has urged the governments of both countries to remove taxes imposed on Church properties and personnel, warning that such measures threaten the Church’s ability to serve vulnerable communities.
“The recent imposition of taxes on Church properties and personnel threatens our capacity to serve the poor,” Cardinal Ameyu said. “The bishops will engage in dialogue with the government to address this issue.”
The Cardinal raised the concern during the bishops’ plenary assembly in Malakal, which brought together ten Church leaders from Sudan and South Sudan for the first time in the Upper Nile State town. The five-day gathering focuses on strengthening unity, promoting peace, and discussing the growth of Catholic institutions across the two nations.
Cardinal Ameyu also expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting both countries, calling on leaders to embrace dialogue as the only path to peace and stability.
“The people of Sudan and South Sudan are enduring profound suffering, displacement, loss of life, destruction of churches and properties, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” he said. “Dialogue remains the only way to build stable nations.”
He commended the dioceses and Catholic humanitarian agencies for their continued commitment to caring for those in need, despite the many challenges they face.
The Cardinal emphasized that the bishops’ conference will also deliberate on other vital matters, including peacebuilding efforts, the creation of new dioceses, and strengthening the Church’s mission in both countries.
