Eleven Worshippers Injured After Church Burning in Warrap

(TURALEI) – A violent mob attacked a Seventh day Adventist (SDA) congregation during a worship service in Turalei Payam, Twic County, Warrap State, on Saturday, injuring at least 11 people and setting their place of worship on fire. The incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting churches and religious leaders in the state.

According to Pastor William Wol Adewun Paduol, Director of Information and Communication for the SDA Church in Greater Bahr El Ghazal, the mob was allegedly mobilised by a local traditional chief. The attackers reportedly beat worshippers, burned the church structure which was operating under a tree and destroyed property, including sound equipment, chairs, mobile phones and even shoes belonging to members of the congregation.

The attackers are said to have accused the SDA Church of interfering with local shrine activities and disrespecting traditional spiritual practices. Pastor Wol said the mob also entered the homes of some church members and looted property, including three goats.

There has been no official response from Warrap State authorities. Attempts by journalists to reach the state’s Information Minister, William Wol, and Twic County Commissioner, John Mabior, for comment were unsuccessful, as their phones remained unanswered.

Warrap State has seen a rise in religious tensions in recent months. Just a week earlier, unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed an Adventist evangelist and injured a pastor in Tonj North County while they were returning from a wedding. In 2022, an Adventist church in Gogrial East was burned down in another suspected religiously motivated attack. That incident was linked to former Interior Minister and Member of Parliament Salva Mathok Gengdit, who had criticised the church’s presence before his death in March 2023.

Religious leaders have raised concerns about growing hostility towards Christian congregations in parts of Warrap. Pastor Wol has called on both state and national governments to enforce constitutional protections of religious freedom and ensure that those behind such attacks face justice. He also urged human rights groups and civil society organisations to speak out and protect the right to worship.

“We appeal to the government and all peace loving citizens,” said Pastor Wol. “It is unfair for someone to worship freely in a shrine, then deny their neighbour the right to worship in a church.”

Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Juba-based Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), condemned the recent violence and warned that attacks on religious leaders and institutions risk derailing South Sudan’s fragile peace efforts.

“Targeting religious leaders undermines national unity and reconciliation,” he said, calling on authorities to act swiftly and uphold justice.

The SDA Church, which operates across South Sudan, has continued its activities despite challenges in various regions, including security threats and incidents of intolerance. Faith leaders and activists alike say protecting religious freedom is critical to building peaceful coexistence among diverse communities in the country.

Reported Attacks on Adventist Church in Warrap State (2022–2025)