Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan are urging for tax exemptions to alleviate financial burdens on the Church, enabling them to better serve their communities amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in both countries.
Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan have urged their respective governments to grant tax exemptions to the Church. During the meeting of the Episcopal Conference on February 18, President Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla emphasized the financial difficulties that the Church currently faces, asserting that such exemptions are crucial for enhancing their pastoral efforts and community services.
Cardinal Mulla stated that these exemptions would allow the Church to allocate more resources towards its mission, thereby maintaining its active presence in the communities. He stressed that financial burdens should not obstruct the Church’s efforts to serve and support the populations affected by ongoing conflict and turmoil in both nations.
Both countries have been marred by protracted conflict, especially South Sudan, which spiraled into chaos two years after its independence in 2011. President Salva Kiir’s accusations against former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar led to widespread violence, resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths and the displacement of millions, even with the formation of a coalition government in 2020.
In Sudan, a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has caused a humanitarian crisis, leaving 12 million people in urgent need of assistance. Cardinal Mulla noted that Sudan has also been impacted by USAID funding cuts, prompting organizations such as Caritas Internationalis and Cafod to call for an increase in international aid, aligning with appeals from UN agencies.
While discussing the crises, Cardinal Mulla acknowledged that the Church must respond robustly to these challenges. He remarked that the Church plays a vital role—not only as a spiritual entity but also as a significant contributor to the social and economic framework of the communities. His comments highlighted the need for the Church to prioritize education, moral guidance, and inter-religious dialogue to foster peace and unity in the region.
In summary, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla and bishops in Sudan and South Sudan are advocating for tax exemptions to support the Church’s mission amidst severe financial challenges. Both nations are grappling with ongoing conflicts that have devastated communities and disrupted social stability. By emphasizing the Church’s role in education and community service, the bishops seek to enhance their outreach and aid efforts during this humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.thetablet.co.uk
