Molly Phee, the US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs - Courtesy

The United States’ Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs has described late Bishop Paride as a “gracious faith leader and peacebuilder” who devoted his life to service of the people.

Molly Phee, a former U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan from 2015 to 2021, said in a statement she personally benefited from Bishop Taban’s guidance.

The U.S. official further said South Sudan, Africa and the world will miss the peacebuilding legacy of the church leader.

US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael. J Adler, read out the statement of diplomat Molly Phee during the Requiem Mass for the Soul of Late Bishop Paride Taban in Juba.

“Bishop Paride Taban was a gracious faith leader and peace builder who devoted his life to serving his fellow human being. I personally benefited from his counsel and greatly admired his humanity,” said diplomat Phee.

In his own words, Ambassador Adler also eulogized the late Bishop and said: “Aas I listen today to the remarks about the late Bishop and as I have read about his life I am reminded of another great man, through the efforts of all here today and throughout this country may the great work of Bishop Paride Taban leave on.”

The body of Bishop Taban will head to his home area of Nimule on Wednesday and later to Torit town where he will be laid to rest at the St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral.