Primate Justin Badi Arama, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. | Courtesy

The primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Justin Badi Arama, has travelled to Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, ahead of the inauguration of the new bishop of the Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province.

Bishop Peter Marial Agok, who was elected in April, is expected to be enthroned as the second archbishop of Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Internal Province.

The primate, Bishop Badi, was received by senior church leaders led by the Dean of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Paul Benjamin Yugusuk. He later proceeded to St. Barnabas Cathedral under the Diocese of Rumbek.

The planned enthronement of Bishop Peter Marial Agok follows reconciliation between him and his election rival, Bishop David Akau.

The reconciliation came after a disputed election in which Bishop David Akau was disqualified from contesting the position of archbishop over failure to meet the required academic qualifications, including a master’s degree in religious studies.

Following weeks of disagreement, the parties were reconciled, paving the way for the confirmation of Bishop Peter Marial Agok as the new archbishop for Eastern Bahr el Ghazal Province.

The province comprises dioceses including Rumbek, Akot, Aluakluak and Awerial.

Others are Cueibet, Malek Rup, Maper and Nyang dioceses. The dioceses of Pacong, Wulu and Yirol are also part of the province.