At this critical juncture in Sudan's history it is imperative that context, foresight and proactive action be taken while forging a new era and history for the Sudanese people. Overlooking Sudan's horizon is a referendum that could see the country split into the North and South, or on the other hand, remain united. It is with this in mind that on 20th to 23rd September 2010, PROCMURA organised a Christian and Muslim leaders conference to address the crucial issues of peace and development.
Peace is a prerequisite to development, and especially so in Southern Sudan, with its tumultuous history which has necessitated preemptive action in the region. Peace in this sense must reflect the notions of 'Shalom' and 'Salaam' in Christianity and Islam respectively; a wholeness of being by an individual and society. This takes us back to the question of the referendum, which fundamentally is a decision whose ultimate onus rests on the Sudanese themselves. However, whichever way the vote goes, Sudanese have to embrace their diversity. In this case Christians and Muslims recognizing each other’s presence in the society in which they both live. As a principle that PROCMURA stands by, constructive engagement for the holistic development of the human family has to form the basis of these relations.
During the conference, which was organised in conjunction with the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) about 30 participants attended the conference. Among those in attendance were Rev. Tijok Hadir, Adviser to the President of Southern Sudan on Religious Affairs , Sheikh Juma Said Ali, Deputy Director, Dawah Section in the Southern Sudan Muslim Council (SSMC), Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Deng Bul Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS), Rev. Mark Akec, Deputy General Secretary of the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) to name but a few.
Among the resolutions reached by the participants was for a continuous engagement between Christians and Muslims through the formation of a consultative body which would advice the government on pressing issues concerning Christians and Muslims in Southern Sudan. In addition, Christians and Muslims in the region vowed to learn lessons from their past and avoid replicating similar pitfalls.
Importantly however was the resolve to foster forgiveness and reconciliation, which would go a long way in outlining a clear path to a new era in the history of Sudan. Insistence was on a common National Bond which is a cog in their similar aspirations for the future. This culminated in the issuing of a Communiqué which embodied the spirit and conviction to peace and development in the Equatorial Region of Southern Sudan and by extension the whole country.
JUBA COMMUNIQUE 2010
