Church leaders in South Sudan launch “Active Non-Violence” booklet with Pax to promote peace and reconciliation. This initiative addresses the nation’s violent history and empowers leaders to adopt active non-violence principles. The aim is to change perceptions of violence and encourage dialogue, love, and forgiveness in communities.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in partnership with Pax, unveiled a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” aimed at promoting peace throughout South Sudan. This groundbreaking resource seeks to empower church leaders to foster reconciliation and is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first of its kind in the nation, addressing the long historical context of conflict in the country.
The initiative was launched in response to South Sudan’s tumultuous past, including a civil war that commenced post-independence in 2011. Church leaders met in Kigali, Rwanda, where they committed to pursuing non-violent conflict resolution. Pax was then engaged to create this essential resource under the church-led Action Plan for Peace (APP).
Emmanuel Ira, the Pax Country Director, articulated the goal of the booklet as contributing to a just peace in South Sudan. He expressed the necessity of changing the negative perception that South Sudanese communities are inherently violent, underscoring that violence is a learned behavior and the booklet provides a practical pathway to alter this viewpoint.
James Makuei Chuol, Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, highlighted the church’s dedication to peacebuilding throughout its historical engagement in conflicts, particularly during the independence movement. Chuol stated that the idea for the booklet originated from a 2022 meeting of church leaders and gained momentum during the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage, which featured endorsements from prominent religious leaders.
“Non-violence is not passive, but is active” – James Makuei Chuol. He encouraged church leaders to adopt and implement the principles outlined in the booklet actively. Meanwhile, Tut Kony Nyang Kon, General Secretary of the SSCC, affirmed that the message within the booklet transcends religious boundaries and is inclusive, urging collective community action towards non-violence.
Nyang Kon’s remarks emphasized the necessity for all individuals to reject retaliation and instead promote love, forgiveness, and dialogue within their communities. The call to action is crucial, given the persistent violence experienced by many citizens in South Sudan, as the church leaders strive to build a more peaceful future.
The establishment of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet is a crucial development for South Sudan, a nation that has faced prolonged conflict and unrest. The South Sudan Council of Churches has recognized the urgent need for strategies that foster peace and reconciliation. This initiative arises from a collective desire among religious leaders to disrupt the cycle of violence that has characterized much of South Sudan’s recent history, particularly following civil strife since gaining independence. The involvement of Pax reflects a broader international commitment to support grassroots peace efforts in the region.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet by the South Sudan Council of Churches and Pax marks a significant step towards promoting peace in a conflict-affected nation. By equipping church leaders with the necessary tools and guidance to advocate for non-violence, the initiative aims to transform societal perceptions of violence and engender reconciliation. As church leaders are called to implement these principles actively, there is hope for a shift towards a more peaceful community that prioritizes dialogue and healing.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
