The South Sudan Council of Churches, in partnership with PAX, launched the “Active Non-Violence” booklet aimed at promoting peace and addressing violence in the region. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang emphasized the role of church leaders in fostering reconciliation and unity, while Emmanuel Ira from PAX highlighted the need to counteract negative perceptions of South Sudanese as violent.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, along with PAX, has introduced a new booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to address violence in South Sudan. The cover features a dove with an olive branch, symbolizing peace over a map of the country. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, the Council’s general secretary, emphasized that nonviolence embodies the Gospel’s essence and is vital for community reconciliation and unity.
Nyang, a Presbyterian pastor who recently took over from Rev. James Oyet Latansio, stated that the booklet equips church leaders with essential tools to promote love, forgiveness, and dialogue. He urged clergy to engage congregations in discussions about nonviolence through sermons and Bible studies, aiming to turn churches into transformative spaces that foster hope and resilience against conflicts.
The effort to create the booklet began in April 2022 during a church leaders’ meeting in Lukenya, Kenya, where they reaffirmed their commitment to nonviolent principles and the 2015 Kigali statement. The process involved gathering insights from prominent religious leaders, including Pope Francis, to develop an introductory resource tailored for South Sudan.
Emmanuel Ira, PAX’s country director, noted the necessity of combating the prevalent perception of South Sudanese as inherently violent. He expressed optimism that the new resource would change public perception and contribute to building a culture of peace among communities.
This initiative by South Sudan’s churches is critical given the ongoing violence and socio-political issues affecting the country. By encouraging a culture of nonviolence and promoting reconciliation, church leaders aim to align their objectives with the broader needs of the population, fostering unity amidst diversity. The collaboration with international organizations such as PAX underscores the importance of external support in addressing local challenges through grassroots initiatives.
In summary, the South Sudan churches’ introduction of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a significant step towards fostering peace and reducing violence in communities. By equipping church leaders with resources to promote reconciliation and unity, this initiative aims to reshape perceptions and cultivate a culture of nonviolence, thereby encouraging a more harmonious society in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
