Bentiu Catholic Diocese calls for investigation after fire damages parish altar

The Bentiu Catholic Diocese has called on authorities to investigate a fire that damaged the altar at St. Michael Panriang Main Parish on Sunday, October 4. The diocese stated that unknown people set the church on fire, describing the incident as an act of desecration against a sacred place of worship.

The parish priest and parishioners intervened to save the remaining parts of the church building. While the diocese reported no injuries, officials noted that the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

The fire occurred in an area where the diocese has faced ongoing insecurity and violence. Bishop Christian Carlassare, the first bishop of the diocese, has previously called for peace and reconciliation in the region. Bentiu was established in July 2024 after being separated from the Diocese of Malakal.