The South Sudan Council of Churches and Pax have launched the “Active Non-Violence” booklet to promote peace. It targets church leaders, equipping them to advance non-violent conflict resolution. This initiative addresses South Sudan’s history of conflict, aiming to change perceptions of violence through actionable guidance for reconciliation in communities.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in collaboration with the Dutch peace organization Pax, has introduced a new booklet entitled “Active Non-Violence.” This resource aims to equip church leaders to advocate for peace within their communities, marking the first publication of its kind in South Sudan. It provides practical steps for fostering reconciliation, crucial in light of the ongoing conflict situation in the region.
The launch is timely as it responds to decades of turmoil following the civil war that began after South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Recognizing the urgent need to shift tactics, church leaders previously convened in Kigali, Rwanda, committing to non-violent conflict resolution. The development of the booklet was facilitated by Pax under the Action Plan for Peace (APP) informed by this commitment.
Emmanuel Ira, the Country Director of Pax, spoke on the publication’s goal, emphasizing the importance of creating a just peace. “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 stated. He believes that violence is learned behavior, and the booklet will aid in altering this perception.
The Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and Sudan, James Makuei Chuol, reiterated the church’s dedicated role in peacebuilding. He noted the booklet originated from a 2022 decision by church leaders and was further motivated by the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage, which called for a commitment to non-violence, emphasized by Pope Francis and other leaders. “This booklet is not just for reading, but for implementation. Non-violence is not passive, but is active,” Chuol urged.
General Secretary Tut Kony Nyang Kon highlighted that the booklet’s message is directed at a wider audience, stating, “All of us are called…to intensify, to call our people not to react, to take the law into their hands.” He recognized the widespread violence in communities and called for the promotion of love, forgiveness, and dialogue as alternatives to vengeance.
The development of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet arises against the backdrop of prolonged conflict in South Sudan, where a civil war erupted soon after gaining independence. Church leaders recognized the need for innovative strategies for conflict resolution. By learning from past experiences and global inspirations, including the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage, they sought to create a resource that encapsulates non-violence as a proactive rather than passive approach. This effort aims to reshape local perceptions of South Sudanese communities as inherently violent, fostering an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation instead.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a significant step towards promoting peace in South Sudan. By encouraging church leaders to adopt and implement its principles, the initiative seeks to shift the narrative surrounding violence in the region. Emphasizing community-wide participation, the SSCC and Pax aim to foster an environment rooted in love and dialogue, challenging the deeply embedded culture of violence. Through education and action, they aspire to pave the way for lasting peace.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
