Acholi clerics call for dialogue, forgiveness

Jan 02, 2007

THE Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government have been asked to continue with dialogue and finally reconcile so as to bring lasting peace to northern Uganda.

By Chris Ocowun

THE Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government have been asked to continue with dialogue and finally reconcile so as to bring lasting peace to northern Uganda.

The call was made by the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative on Sunday.

“As messengers of God, we urge you to have faith in God who has not abandoned us during this trying moment.

"We urge you to forgive and reconcile with one another in order to live in harmony,” said Archbishop John Baptist Odama, who delivered the message on behalf of the clergymen.

He added: “May violence now leave way for dialogue and reconciliation and to all of you, let us love one another and avoid division.”

The religious leaders also asked the two parties to speed up the Juba talks and said that people were tired of living in camps.

Odama, who is also the archbishop of Gulu archdiocese, revealed that when peace is attained, their focus would shift to fighting HIV/AIDS.

He made the remarks at Amuru camp during the end-of-year prayers.
The Acholi paramount chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, at the same function, appealed for unity among local Acholi leaders and warned against vengeance as the war comes to an end.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});