The South Sudan Council of Churches, in partnership with PAX, launched the booklet “Active Non-Violence” on January 27, 2025, in Juba. This resource aims to empower church leaders to foster peace and reconciliation in a country with a history of violent conflict. By promoting a culture of nonviolence, the initiative seeks to reshape perceptions of South Sudanese communities and support sustainable peace efforts.
On January 27, 2025, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in collaboration with PAX, launched the booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” in Juba. This initiative aims to empower church leaders to promote peace and provide practical guidance for fostering reconciliation in communities affected by decades of conflict, especially following the civil war that began in December 2013.
PAX, a leading peace organization in the Netherlands, reports that this booklet is the first of its kind in South Sudan, focusing on a new approach to sustainable peace. SSCC members collaborated with PAX to create this resource under their Action Plan for Peace (APP), a strategy developed by church leaders seeking effective reconciliation methods.
During the launch, Emmanuel Ira, PAX’s South Sudan Country Director, emphasized the booklet’s purpose in promoting a just peace. He noted that it aims to dismantle the stereotype of South Sudanese as inherently violent, providing insights into nonviolence as a learned behavior shaped by environment.
Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, SSCC General Secretary, remarked that the booklet is a vital resource for understanding nonviolence as a divine mandate. He stressed that nonviolence reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ and called on church leaders to actively communicate its message in their congregations, reminding them to refrain from reacting with violence.
James Makuei Chuol, Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and Sudan, highlighted the church’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding. He explained that the booklet resulted from a 2022 decision by church leaders in Kenya and was also inspired by the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet by the SSCC and PAX signifies a significant step towards addressing the culture of violence in South Sudan. With a history marked by conflict, including a civil war shortly after independence, local churches are now taking an active role in promoting peace and reconciliation. This resource aims to equip church leaders with the necessary tools to foster a culture of nonviolence within their communities and help change the narrative surrounding the South Sudanese people. PAX’s involvement underscores the international support for peace initiatives in the region, as they seek to provide a framework for community leaders to engage in nonviolent conflict resolution. This booklet is a response to the urgent need for a new approach to peacebuilding in South Sudan, recognizing the essential role of faith-based leaders. By focusing on nonviolence, the SSCC and PAX aim to instill values that align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, promoting justice and reconciliation amidst a backdrop of historical violence. This effort aligns with broader ecumenical initiatives that spotlight collaboration among religious leaders and communities to foster sustainable peace.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet by the South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX represents a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming perceptions of violence in South Sudan. By empowering church leaders with practical guidance on nonviolence, this effort seeks to foster reconciliation and create a sustainable culture of peace. Ultimately, the success of this initiative depends on the collective commitment of church leaders and their congregations to engage with their communities in advocating for conflict resolution and justice. Through this resource, the SSCC hopes to inspire a renewed understanding of the call to nonviolence as crucial for lasting peace in a region long besieged by conflict.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
