South Sudan churches have launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to address violence in the region. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang emphasizes the role of nonviolence as a reflection of the Gospel. The guidelines promote love, forgiveness, and unity among communities, encouraging church leaders to actively engage their congregations. The initiative, developed through various church meetings, aims to reshape perceptions and foster a culture of peace.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, in collaboration with PAX, has introduced a booklet entitled “Active Non-Violence” aimed at combatting violence in South Sudan. The booklet features a cover depicting a dove flying above a map of South Sudan, symbolizing peace and hope with an olive branch. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, newly elected general secretary of the Council, emphasized that the message of nonviolence reflects the Gospel and is critical for fostering reconciliation and unity among communities.
Rev. Nyang, who took over leadership from Rev. James Oyet Latansio, outlined the importance of church leaders in guiding their congregations towards nonviolence. He stated that the booklet is a resource for deepening understanding of nonviolence as a divine mandate. He urged leaders to promote themes of love, forgiveness, and dialogue within their communities to establish lasting peace.
The initiative began in April 2022 when church leaders from South Sudan gathered to reaffirm their unity and commitment to nonviolence. They revisited the 2015 Kigali statement on peace and called for a cultural shift towards embracing nonviolent practices. In March 2023, the leaders reconvened to further develop concepts surrounding nonviolence and to respond to calls from various ecclesiastical figures advocating for peace.
As a result of this ongoing dialogue, the churches commissioned PAX to create introductory resources on nonviolence tailored for South Sudanese society. Emmanuel Ira, PAX’s South Sudan country director, articulated the purpose of the booklet as a means to inspire just peace among South Sudanese people and to challenge prevailing notions of violence within their communities.
This newly launched initiative represents a commitment by South Sudanese churches to foster an environment of peace and reconciliation, countering the narrative of violence that has historically plagued the region. The Council of Churches and PAX together aim to embody transformative practices that can reshape perceptions and behaviors in support of enduring peace.
The context of the newly released guidelines pertains to the long-standing issues of violence and conflict within South Sudan. The South Sudan Council of Churches has been dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation among different groups in the nation. This initiative is a response to calls for a cultural shift towards nonviolence, demonstrating a collective effort by religious leaders to combat societal violence through active engagement and education.
In summary, the launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet marks a significant turning point in South Sudan’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. By emphasizing nonviolence as integral to both leadership and community engagement, the church leaders aim to reshape societal narratives surrounding violence. This commitment reflects a broader vision for sustainable peace in South Sudan, challenging misconceptions and actively working towards justice and harmony.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
