Catholic Church Appeals for Tax Exemptions in Sudan and South Sudan

Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan have called for tax exemptions to support financial health and community service efforts. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla emphasized the Church’s vital role amid ongoing conflicts that have caused significant displacement and humanitarian crises in both nations.

Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan have urged their governments to grant the Church tax exemptions. During the Episcopal Conference on February 18, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the Archbishop of Juba, emphasized that advocating for tax relief is vital for addressing the Church’s financial difficulties. Such exemptions would allow for greater allocation of resources toward pastoral activities and community services.

Both Sudan and South Sudan have been marred by enduring conflicts. Following its independence in 2011, South Sudan fell into turmoil when President Salva Kiir accused former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar of coup plotting, resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths and widespread displacement, ongoing despite a coalition government formed in 2020.

In Sudan, violence erupted two years ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, contributing to a humanitarian crisis affecting 12 million displaced individuals. Sudan has recently faced cuts in USAID funding, prompting organizations like Caritas Internationalis and Cafod to seek increased international aid, reinforcing the appeals of UN humanitarian agencies.

Cardinal Mulla stated that the Church must provide a “robust response” to these pressing circumstances. He remarked on the challenges faced by both nations, highlighting that the Church represents a necessary beacon of spirituality and a significant force in both social and economic domains. The Church’s commitment to education, moral formation, and inter-religious dialogue is essential in promoting peace and unity in the region.

In conclusion, the Catholic bishops in Sudan and South Sudan, led by Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, are advocating for tax exemptions to alleviate financial pressures on the Church. This move aims to enable further engagement in community services amidst ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in both nations. The Church’s role in education and unity is essential as these countries navigate their future challenges.

Original Source: www.thetablet.co.uk