On February 3, 2025, the South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX launched the booklet “Active Non-Violence” in Juba, aimed at empowering church leaders to promote peace in communities affected by conflict. This initiative responds to the need for sustainable peace strategies after years of violence since the civil war began in 2013. The booklet provides practical guidance on reconciliation and nonviolent approaches.
On February 3, 2025, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” in Juba, in collaboration with PAX, a prominent Dutch peace organization. This initiative is aimed at empowering church leaders to promote peace in a nation plagued by decades of violent conflict, notably since the civil war that began in late 2013. The booklet is recognized as the first resource of its kind in South Sudan, offering practical strategies for fostering reconciliation in communities.
Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable peace strategy, SSCC members convened in Kigali, Rwanda, to agree on a new approach to peacebuilding. This collaboration with PAX aimed to create an “essential resource” as part of the Action Plan for Peace (APP), a local, church-led initiative designed to address the country’s ongoing challenges.
During the launch, Emmanuel Ira, the director of PAX in South Sudan, highlighted the publication’s significance in reshaping perceptions of violence in the region. He emphasized that the booklet’s goal is to contribute to a just peace and to challenge the assumption that South Sudanese communities are inherently violent. Ira articulated that violence is learned behavior influenced by one’s environment and that the booklet serves as a source of information on nonviolence.
Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, SSCC’s General Secretary, stated, “This booklet serves as a powerful tool to deepen our understanding of nonviolence as a divine mandate and a practical way of life.” He further underscored the universal call to nonviolence, encouraging church leaders to engage their congregations actively in peace-promoting initiatives.
In his remarks, Rev. Nyang emphasized the role of churches as places of hope and transformation, urging members to regularly promote nonviolence. Additionally, James Makuei Chuol, Moderator of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and Sudan, noted the church’s ongoing commitment to peacebuilding, linking the booklet’s development to prior decisions made by church leaders and inspired by a 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage led by Pope Francis.
The launch of the booklet “Active Non-Violence” arises from the pressing need for effective peacebuilding strategies in South Sudan, a nation deeply affected by prolonged conflicts including the civil war that began shortly after its independence. The SSCC, in partnership with PAX, aims to equip faith leaders with tools to foster reconciliation and promote nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution. This initiative underscores the critical role of religious institutions in advocating for peace and restoring harmony in war-affected communities.
The launch of the booklet “Active Non-Violence” represents a significant step towards promoting peace in South Sudan, as it equips church leaders with the necessary guidance for reconciliation and nonviolent advocacy. Both SSCC and PAX emphasize the importance of altering negative perceptions of violence within the community, fostering an environment conducive to peace. The collective commitment from church leaders signifies a hopeful journey towards healing and transformation in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
