President Kiir seen in this photo shaking hands with Late Bishop Paride Taban (right) while standing between him and retired Cardinal Gabriel Zuber Wako. (-)

President Salva Kiir has said late Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Torit, Paride Taban will be remembered as a man who had “never abandoned his flock” but who stood up numerous times in defense of the persecuted.

In his condolence message published on Friday, the president said he is saddened by the demise of the veteran clergyman, who died in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on November 1, 2023.

Kiir said the passing of Bishop Taban on All Saints Day signifies his bright legacy of “long service to the Church,” which “demonstrated tremendous courage in bearing witness to Christ.”

“In difficult situations he went through during the years of liberation struggle, he never abandoned his flock but stood up numerous times for the persecuted and gave the voice to the voiceless in his teaching and actions,” Kiir said in a statement posted by his office.

The Head of State offered his condolences on behalf of the government to the church and “to everyone who was touched by his pastoral work during his long service.”

He further encourages South Sudanese youth to emulate the legacy of Bishop Taban, who had been advocating for peace all his life.

“The Kuron Peace Village he established to achieve his vision of a society without tribalism will continue to be an inspiration to us the living as we work to achieve the vision, he has dedicated his life to.”

“As we mourn him, let us remember the courage he demonstrated during his lifetime in defense of the voiceless as well as his legacy in the field of advocacy for peace.”