Episcopal Church To Construct Bigger Cathedral In Juba

This article was last updated on May 25, 2022

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The Archbishop of the Church of Sudan and South Sudan, His Grace Daniel Deng Bul Yaak laid the foundation stone on Sunday.  

According to Eng. Barnaba Dumo, a member of the committee for the construction of the new cathedral, the initial plan for the old cathedral was to have a much larger one but when the design was submitted to the provincial authority in Juba,  the then Governor of Equatoria Ali Bardo ordered its reduction in the size.

It is in this regard that he said the church thought of a long term solution to the problem of inadequate room for worshiping.

Eng. Dumo said the committee took decisions that a new cathedral be constructed and that the present building should be preserved as souvenirs and an auxiliary facility.

Eng. Dumo announced that the procurement process will be competitive and the bidding will be open to both local and international bidders.  A separate planning, designing and supervision consultancy firm will be hired to undertake the construction work.

He cited financial challenges as the main obstacle but expressed optimism that the building will be erected though he did not disclose the amount needed for the project.

“Our basic challenge as people of this new nation and members of this cathedral is to raise the necessary funds to achieve this objective,” he said.

Dr. Jimmy Wongo who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony said the many worshipers in the church shows a sign that Christianity has come to stay.

The Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Manase Lomole Waya hailed the church for the initiative and pledged SSP20, 000 on behalf of his government.

The National Government Spokesperson Dr.. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said the government also welcomes the move. He said a committee of four ministers and the deputy speaker of the National Assembly will meet the president for him to give the government’s contribution.

The foundation stone of the current Cathedral was laid on 15/02/1959.