The South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX have introduced a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” to combat violence in South Sudan. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang emphasized nonviolence as a reflection of the Gospel, urging church leaders to engage their communities actively. This initiative began in April 2022, promoting a cultural shift towards peace and challenging the perception of violence in the region.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, alongside PAX, has released a booklet entitled “Active Non-Violence,” aimed at addressing violence within the country. This booklet features a cover adorned with a map of South Sudan and a dove symbolizing peace, holding an olive branch. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, the newly elected general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, emphasized that the principles of nonviolence stem from the Gospel, reflecting the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
In his address during the launch, Rev. Nyang encouraged church leaders to actively engage their communities in discussions centered around nonviolence, utilizing the principles presented in the booklet. He depicted the church’s role as pivotal in fostering reconciliation, justice, and unity among the populace. Encouraging vibrant dialogue and preaching, he expressed the hope of transforming churches into sanctuaries that equip members to confront conflict with grace.
The initiative to compile this booklet originated during a meeting in April 2022, where South Sudanese churches reaffirmed their commitment to unity and nonviolence in Lukenya, Kenya. The churches reiterated their efforts to uphold the 2015 Kigali statement and proposed a cultural shift towards nonviolence. This initiative stems from reverberations of teachings from influential church leaders such as Pope Francis and former Archbishop Justin Welby, who advocated for peace during an ecumenical pilgrimage.
Emmanuel Ira, the country director for PAX South Sudan, stated that the organization developed this resource to promote a culture of peace among South Sudanese communities, challenging the perception of inherent violence. He underscored the significance of initiating this transformation through education and community engagement, emphasizing that this effort represents a foundational step towards altering the prevailing narrative about violence in the region.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, in collaboration with the Dutch organization PAX, has been actively pursuing peace initiatives in the war-ridden context of South Sudan. The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet is a response to the urgent need to guide communities in rejecting violence and embracing principles of justice and reconciliation. The churches have consistently sought strategies to nurtur peace, echoing the messages of major church figures who call for nonviolence in the face of adversity.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet signifies a crucial step by South Sudanese church leaders towards establishing a culture of peace in a country plagued by violence. By equipping church leaders with guiding principles and encouraging community engagement, the initiative aspires to reshape perceptions of South Sudanese society and foster reconciliation amid ongoing challenges. The collaborative efforts of local and international organizations demonstrate a strong commitment to nurturing just peace through dialogue and love.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
