“Pray for the conversion of hearts that plan evil,” clerics urge believers after Abiemnhom massacre

JUBA – Catholic bishops from Sudan and South Sudan have called on believers to unite in prayer for peace following the killing of 169 civilians in Abiemnhom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area and 25 more in Ayod County of Jonglei State.

In a communiqué issued Tuesday, members of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference urged Christians and people of faith to dedicate time to prayer, asking God to heal communities wounded by violence and transform the hearts of those responsible for bloodshed.

“We call upon all Christians and people of faith throughout Sudan and South Sudan to join us in fervent prayer for an end to this cycle of violence; pray for the conversion of hearts that plan evil; pray for leaders to find courage and wisdom; and pray for victims to rest in the eternal peace of Christ,” the bishops said in a statement shared with Sudans Post.

The appeal comes in the wake of the brutal attack in Abiemnhom that left scores of civilians dead and displaced many families, deepening fear and grief across the affected communities.

The bishops expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the killings as a tragic reflection of the growing disregard for human dignity.

“The blood of our brothers and sisters—mothers and fathers, sons and daughters—shed not on a battlefield but within their own communities cries out to Heaven,” the communiqué read. “We are profoundly disturbed not only by the scale of suffering but by the brazen disregard for human dignity that such acts represent.”

While strongly condemning the violence, the church leaders emphasised that lasting peace cannot be achieved through revenge or hatred. They warned that cycles of retaliation rooted in anger, collective blame, and historical grievances continue to tear communities apart and deny future generations the chance to grow up in peace.

“With pastoral honesty, we must confront a painful truth: the culture of deadly revenge has taken deep root in parts of our society,” the bishops said. “Cycles of retaliation continue to destroy families, weaken communities, and rob our children of their future. Revenge is not justice.”

They urged communities and leaders alike to reject tribal hatred and work toward reconciliation, forgiveness, and compassion as the foundation for lasting peace.

The bishops also appealed to humanitarian organisations and individuals of goodwill to provide urgent support to those affected by the violence, noting that many survivors remain traumatised and in need of protection, pastoral care, and necessities.

“Survivors are traumatised and in need of pastoral and psychosocial care, protection, and necessities,” the statement said. “Let us be instruments of God’s love, bringing tangible help and hope.”

The church leaders reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Ayod and Abiemnhom, saying the communities have once again been plunged into mourning, fear, and displacement following the attacks.