In South Sudan, church leaders, with Pax, launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to empower communities towards peacebuilding. It is the first such resource in the nation aimed at addressing the legacies of conflict. Key leaders emphasized the importance of the booklet in changing perceptions around violence and fostering a culture of non-violence among all citizens.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in collaboration with the Dutch peace agency Pax, has launched a significant booklet titled “Active Non-Violence.” This publication aims to empower church leaders in South Sudan to foster peace and reconciliation in communities. It is the first resource of its kind within the nation, addressing the urgent need for durable solutions to the violence that has plagued South Sudan since its independence in 2011.
This initiative is rooted in the experiences of decades of conflict within South Sudan. Following a civil war, church leaders gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to devise a new approach towards non-violent conflict resolution. Pax was subsequently appointed to develop this essential resource under the church-led Action Plan for Peace (APP), signifying a collaborative effort towards promoting peaceful coexistence.
Emmanuel Ira, the Country Director of Pax, articulated the publication’s purpose, stating, “We want to break this culture that most people think that South Sudanese are violent communities.” He emphasized the importance of changing the learned behaviors associated with violence and noted that this booklet serves as a crucial step in reshaping public perception.
James Makuei Chuol, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South in Sudan and Sudan, highlighted the church’s historical commitment to peacebuilding. He noted that the booklet originated from a decision by church leaders in Lokenya and was further inspired by the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage, which featured significant religious leaders advocating for non-violence. “This booklet is not just for reading, but for implementation. Non-violence is not passive, but is active,” he proclaimed.
Tut Kony Nyang Kon, the General Secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, reinforced that the booklet’s message extends beyond church leaders to all citizens. He emphasized the collective responsibility to promote non-violence and noted the pervasive violence in communities. “All of us are called…to intensify, to call our people not to react, to take the law into their hands,” he stated.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a critical step taken by South Sudanese church leaders to address the ongoing violence in the nation. With South Sudan facing tumultuous periods since its independence, including a civil war, church leaders recognized the necessity for a proactive approach to peace. This initiative aligns with a broader commitment to non-violent conflict resolution, aimed at fostering lasting peace and reconciliation across communities.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet by the South Sudan Council of Churches and Pax marks a pivotal move towards promoting peace in South Sudan. With contributions from key church leaders and significant frameworks for implementation, the booklet seeks to empower all citizens to embrace non-violence, significantly reshaping the narrative of violence in the nation. The initiative holds promise as a foundational tool for cultivating a culture of peace and reconciliation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
