“Come and see us, come and touch us, come and put your hands around us, and caress us.”—Bishop Macram Max Gassis
“There are many men who make the wise decision to choose God;” however, Matthew 20:16 states that there are few who are chosen. Bishop Macram Max Gassis from Sudan is among those who are powerfully touched by the hand of God. He was once described as “no ordinary prelate;” it can also be said he is no ordinary man.
Born in Khartoum (the capital city of Sudan) in 1938, Bishop Gassis grew up in a home headed by his Catholic father and Episcopalian mother. “The mixture (of religions),” he stated in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier, “enriched the family. My love for Scripture,” he states with pride, “comes from my mother.”
Theological studies took him to England prior to attending seminary in Italy. Among his educational accomplishments and professional appointments, he obtained a degree in canon law from the Catholic University of America, served as chairman of Caritas Sudan, chaplain at the University of Khartoum, and Bishop of El Obeid diocese, to name a few. His progression to the position of Bishop of Sudan proved to be an affirmation of his “vow of poverty, chastity and obedience” as he served in a war zone under an Islamic regime.
The sagacious Bishop, whose personal quotes leaves one in awe, possesses a humility and compassion that reaches the core of the human spirit. Uncompromising, he exposes the plight of his people with appeals to kings, queens, prime ministers, presidents and dignitaries around the globe, including the United States Congress, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright. He speaks with a calmness that transmits to the heart of others, serving as a vehicle to bring awareness to the conditions that affect the “dignity of my people.” He is firm in his statement that “There is foundation in justice. We must respect the rights and dignity of others.”
Although retired at the mandatory age of 75, the 76-year-old cannot, does not and will not be silenced. His fight is one in which “we must work together to bring peace to South Sudan.” For many, the message continues to go unheeded. However, he remains a man who never loses hope. He said sadness overwhelms him in his impassioned and continual international appeal when he speaks of the unfathomable conditions that exist in the Nuba Mountains and the killing of innocent children, stating it is a “violation of human rights by the international community.”
He describes himself as an “angry, frustrated shepherd,” recalling the story of the anger Jesus felt when He entered the den of thieves. “I am angry because of the suffering. Hope is the last thing to die; the last reality to die. If I don’t have faith, how can I transmit it to my flock?”
The incomparable leader is insistent about Sudan’s need for more international involvement. “Many may not hear my cry, but there are others who just don’t care,“ he said. He said he feels strongly that the focus of people today is “money, power and pleasure” and questions’ “how one can ignore the brother next to you.” Referring to this focus as “disturbing,” his spirit changes to a fervent passion when speaking of the slavery and disintegration of families. He wants nations to “respect the independence of Sudan…the sovereignty of life.”
Taking on the plight of Sudan with an energy unbeknown to many, the faithful servant calmly speaks of giving “the love that God speaks of. There is no greater love.” His message to Christians is to “Stand up for Christian brothers and sisters. Do not be afraid or ashamed to be a Christian or identify yourself as a Christian. I do believe we can live together in humanity. God is the source of life.”
The Bishop’s life depicts that of a man who embodies an innate, uncompromising strength. Confidently, he proudly said that “At the age of 76, I still have the horsepower to defend my people.” There is a boldness about this man of God that flows until it reaches the core of the human spirit. He speaks with powerful quotes that render one insight and self-examination, transcending hope to a dying world. Undefeated, the ecclesiastic who defends his people without fear or intimidation, has built wells for water, schools and institutions for the education and training of his people, and hospitals for the sick and dying.
His undeniable compassion and love for others has enabled him to express his views to the nations of God’s incredible world. When he came to Sudan, “the nation was very hard and the diocese in shambles.” However, undeterred by the conditions, he chose to follow God’s plan and fight to change. He works unceasingly to change not only the plight of the Sudanese, but his efforts also include changing the world. “The problems of Sudan are not restricted to the Sudan. Islamic fundamentalism is overflowing. It has even hit the U.S. in New York City. Today it is us…tomorrow it is you. You become victims because of terrorism.”
When asked how he could put up with the hatred, killings, genocide, etc. in his position and why he did not choose to give up and/or live a privileged life, he stated “The shepherd does not leave his flock. God chose me.”
There is no question about that.
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