The South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to combat violence in South Sudan. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang emphasized the importance of nonviolence in Christian teachings, urging church leaders to promote love and reconciliation. The booklet serves as a vital resource for initiating community engagement towards peaceful practices.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, in collaboration with PAX, recently launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to address violence in the region. The cover features a dove representing peace above a map of South Sudan. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, the Council’s general secretary, emphasized that nonviolence is integral to the teachings of Jesus Christ, urging leaders to foster reconciliation and unity in their communities.
Rev. Nyang, who serves as a Presbyterian pastor, was appointed in December to lead the council for the next four years. He views the booklet as a crucial resource for church leaders to promote nonviolence as a core aspect of their ministry. He highlighted the need to replace hatred and division with love and dialogue to achieve genuine peace.
The development of the booklet began in April 2022, where church leaders met in Lukenya, Kenya, to solidify their commitment to nonviolence and the 2015 Kigali action plan. A subsequent meeting in March 2023 in South Sudan further reinforced this commitment, inspired by ecumenical calls for peace from prominent religious figures, including Pope Francis.
Church leaders requested PAX to create resources that introduce the concept of nonviolence to South Sudanese communities, prompting the development of the booklet. PAX has been engaged in supporting the Action Plan for Peace since 2018 and collaborates with four churches to implement these initiatives.
Emmanuel Ira, the South Sudan country director for PAX, stated that the booklet aims to foster an understanding of peace and counteract the prevailing notion of violence in South Sudanese culture, marking the start of a transformation in public perception about the community’s propensity for violence.
The South Sudanese context is marked by a history of conflict and violence, which has often overshadowed efforts towards peace and reconciliation. The churches in the region are pivotal in advocating for nonviolence, viewing their teachings as central to healing and unity. The collaboration between the South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX signifies a coordinated effort to address these challenges through education and community engagement.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a crucial step towards promoting peace in South Sudan. By equipping church leaders with guidance on nonviolence rooted in Christian teachings, the initiative seeks to foster dialogue and reconciliation. This effort aims to reshape perceptions of violence in the region, fostering a culture of peace among communities.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
