The South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX launched the booklet “Active Non-Violence” on February 3, 2025, to empower faith leaders in promoting peace. This pioneering resource aims to provide practical guidance for reconciliation amidst ongoing conflicts in the region. Church leaders are encouraged to use the booklet as a tool to advocate for nonviolence within their communities.
On February 3, 2025, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in collaboration with PAX—Netherlands’ largest peace entity—unveiled a new booklet aimed at empowering church leaders to promote peace in South Sudan. Titled “Active Non-Violence,” this resource is a pioneering initiative designed to provide practical guidance for fostering reconciliation amidst a backdrop of longstanding conflict in the region.
The booklet launch took place in Juba on January 27, 2025, following decades of violence, notably the civil war that erupted in December 2013. Recognizing the need for a new approach to sustainable peace, SSCC members met in Kigali, Rwanda, to formulate a strategy facilitated by PAX.
Emmanuel Ira, PAX’s South Sudan country director, highlighted the booklet’s goal to challenge perceptions of South Sudanese society as inherently violent. He expressed hopes that the publication would contribute to a just peace, emphasizing that violence is learned behavior influenced by one’s environment.
SSCC General Secretary remarked that the booklet serves as an essential resource reflecting nonviolence as a divine directive. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon stated that the message of the booklet extends beyond church leaders to the entire community, urging congregations to advocate for nonviolence actively.
Moderator James Makuei Chuol emphasized the church’s enduring dedication to peacebuilding. He noted that the development of this booklet arose from a consensus among church leaders in 2022 and was inspired by the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage led by Pope Francis and other religious leaders.
The article discusses the launch of a notable resource aimed at promoting peace in South Sudan through the empowerment of church leaders. Given South Sudan’s history of violent conflict, notably the civil war, there is an urgent need for practical approaches to reconciliation. The collaboration between SSCC and PAX highlights the importance of faith-based initiatives in fostering sustainable peace within communities.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a significant step in addressing violence in South Sudan through faith leadership. By equipping church leaders with practical guidance, the initiative seeks to reshape societal perceptions of violence and nurture a culture of peace. Emphasizing collaboration and community engagement reinforces the church’s role as a catalyst for transformative change.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
