The South Sudan Council of Churches and Pax have introduced the “Active Non-Violence” booklet to promote peace and reconciliation within the nation. This resource aims to empower church leaders to engage communities actively in non-violent conflict resolution, addressing the ongoing legacy of violence stemming from conflict in South Sudan. Prominent church leaders emphasize that this initiative is crucial for transforming societal perceptions about violence.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in collaboration with the Dutch peace organization Pax, has launched a groundbreaking booklet named “Active Non-Violence” aimed at promoting peace throughout South Sudan. This initiative is particularly significant as it is the first of its kind in the region, offering practical guidance for church leaders to encourage reconciliation within their communities.
In light of the persistent conflict in South Sudan, which has been exacerbated by a civil war since the nation gained independence in 2011, church leaders gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to adopt a new non-violent approach to conflict resolution. Funded by Pax under the church-led Action Plan for Peace (APP), the booklet represents a critical resource tailored to the needs of the nation.
Emmanuel Ira, the Country Director of Pax, articulated the publication’s objective, stating, “We want to break this culture that most people think that South Sudanese are violent communities. This is the beginning that this tool is going to help to break this perception of violence.” He highlighted the booklet’s intent to reshape the understanding of violence as a learned behavior influenced by societal conditions.
James Makuei Chuol, the Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South in Sudan and Sudan, reiterated the church’s historical commitment to peacebuilding. He noted that the booklet emerged from a 2022 agreement among church leaders and was further inspired by a peace pilgrimage in 2023 involving prominent religious leaders, including Pope Francis.
“This booklet is not just for reading, but for implementation. Non-violence is not passive, but is active,” emphasized Chuol, urging church leaders to embrace and apply the principles outlined in the booklet. This call to action reinforces the importance of proactive engagement in peacebuilding processes.
The General Secretary of the SSCC, Tut Kony Nyang Kon, indicated that the booklet’s message transcends church leadership, addressing the broader populace. He stated, “All of us are called…to intensify, to call our people not to react, to take the law into their hands,” urging a collective movement towards peaceful dialogue and reconciliation and away from vengeance.
In conclusion, the launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet marks a significant step in South Sudan’s journey toward peace and reconciliation. It is designed to empower church leaders and the broader community, emphasizing proactive measures against violence, and fostering a culture of dialogue, love, and forgiveness among the citizens of South Sudan.
The initiative to launch the booklet stems from the urgent need to address decades of conflict in South Sudan, where civil unrest has persisted since the country’s independence in 2011. Church leaders recognized the necessity for innovative solutions to conflict resolution, prompting a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, to develop a commitment to non-violent practices. This initiative signals a broader recognition of the role that faith and community leaders can play in fostering social harmony and reconciliation in a nation deeply affected by violence.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet symbolizes a pivotal move towards establishing a culture of peace in South Sudan. By empowering church leaders and encouraging community involvement, this initiative aims to redefine perceptions of violence and establish a framework for reconciliation. The collective effort by church leaders to promote non-violence signifies hope for a more peaceful future in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
