Message of Hope and Guidance Following the Government's New COVID-19 Restrictions Dated 3rd February 2021 By Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala

February 6th 2021

 Dear brothers and sisters,

 "Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: this is the message of hope" Pope Francis

 Greetings of love and peace in the name of the Almighty God, the Merciful!

 I am concerned over wordings from Presidency which sound as way to obstruct or curtail prayer services which is essential source of energy for the common good.

 The Presidency's words this time (February 3rd 2021) underline the severity of the situation for the country, as the virus continues to spread rapidly. We have a duty to care for each other, but particularly those who are vulnerable or who may be most at risk.

 Honestly, benefits of public worship are huge-especially as most of my Faithful have poor or no access to technology.

 During the recent lockdown, I urge and caution the Government to reverse its decision to ban communal worship, I suggest that there seem to be no evidence it would help combat the virus.

 However, some may feel that it is currently better not to attend in person, and there will be parishes which decide to offer only digital services for the time-being. Clergy who have concerns, and others who are shielding, should take particular care and stay at home.

 I would urge everyone in our Churches, Mosques, State and entire nation to pray for those on the front line in our public service- the NHS and those working in social care for schools and many others on whom we depend; and for parents and care giver for children at this anxious and stressful time.

 Common knowledge sustains the bare truth that, throughout the difficult history of South Sudan, the Religion has been an oasis of comfort and strength and hope for the people. The unilateral closure of Churches, Mosques and places of worship therefore disempowers and harms the very souls of the people in this country. In a crisis as this, we would like to urge the government authority to consult with the churches and faith based communities on how best to collectively join hands and combat the problem with all our energies and resources.

 In the light of the above, I urge all our Christian Communities, while conducting liturgies, to abide by the government regulations on COVID-19, significant of which includes the following:

• Wearing of facemasks during all liturgical celebrations
• Observing social distancing
• Avoiding hand shake
• Washing of hands with water and soap at the provided water points in our churches
• Keeping our surroundings clean
• Praying always but keep our liturgical celebrations short.

 Above all my dear people of God, I urge you to persevere in prayer for God's intervention to protect us and rid the whole world of this pandemic. We are people who owe our existence and wellbeing to God. He has been with us in the past and He is journeying with us in the present, and we can thereby be confident of the future. Prayer therefore should be our first weapon in the fight against COVID-19.

 There is hope. As Christians, we have a deeper hope in God that comforts us beyond fear itself. As we prepare for this coming Lenten Season, even in the midst of our darkest fear, that hope brings light.

 So let us Pray, Pray, Pray!

 Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio

Chairperson, Inter-Faith Council for Peace Initiatives

Western Equatoria State