The SSCC and Pax launched the “Active Non-Violence” booklet to promote peace in South Sudan, targeting church leaders for guidance on reconciliation. Following decades of conflict, this initiative seeks to reshape perceptions of violence and advocate for active non-violence in communities, emphasizing the church’s historical role in peacebuilding.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has collaborated with the Netherlands peace agency, Pax, to launch an innovative booklet titled “Active Non-Violence,” aimed at fostering peace across South Sudan. This resource targets church leaders, providing them with practical strategies to promote reconciliation amidst the backdrop of decades of conflict and violence in the nation, particularly following the civil war that began in 2011.
The initiative responds to a critical need for a shift in conflict resolution strategies among church leaders. They convened in Kigali, Rwanda, to commit to non-violent solutions, leading to Pax’s involvement in crafting this vital guide. Emmanuel Ira, the Country Director of Pax, emphasized that the publication aims to cultivate a more peaceful identity for South Sudanese communities, challenging stereotypes of violence.
Ira noted the relevance of this launch during a period of renewed dedication to peace from the current leadership. The Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South in Sudan and Sudan, James Makuei Chuol, highlighted the longstanding role of the church in peacemaking, referencing their historical involvement in conflicts and the nation’s independence efforts.
Chuol explained that the booklet emerged from discussions among church leaders in Lokenya, drawing additional motivation from the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage. High-profile religious leaders, including Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, encouraged embracing non-violence in these deliberations. He stated, “This booklet is not just for reading, but for implementation. Non-violence is not passive, but is active.”
Nyang Kon, General Secretary of the SSCC, further affirmed that the message of the booklet is universally applicable, urging all individuals to promote non-violent responses. He called for community members to resist taking vengeance, advocating instead for principles of love, forgiveness, and open dialogue to combat the cycle of violence.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet emerges from the dire need for peace in South Sudan, a nation plagued by protracted conflict since achieving independence in 2011. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of religion and societal healing, church leaders recognized their critical role in fostering reconciliation and peace. The initiative reflects a collective desire to transform entrenched perceptions of violence, thereby initiating grassroots change through church leadership.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet by the SSCC and Pax is a significant step towards promoting peace in South Sudan, emphasizing active non-violent conflict resolution among church leaders and communities. By redefining the narrative surrounding violence and encouraging forgiveness and dialogue, the initiative aims to foster lasting change in a country scarred by conflict. This resource is positioned not just as a theoretical guide, but as a tool for practical implementation of peace-building strategies.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
