The South Sudan Council of Churches, together with PAX, has released a booklet titled ‘Active Non-Violence’ to address local violence. Led by Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, the initiative promotes nonviolence in line with Gospel principles, calling for love and reconciliation. Church leaders are encouraged to use this resource to foster peace in their communities, countering the perception of violence in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Council of Churches, in collaboration with PAX, has introduced a new booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” aimed at addressing violence in South Sudan. The booklet features a dove—an emblem of peace—flying over a map of South Sudan, symbolizing hope. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, the Council’s general secretary, emphasized that the teachings of nonviolence align with the principles of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of love and reconciliation in leadership roles.
Nyang, a Presbyterian pastor, succeeded Rev. James Oyet Latansio to lead the ecumenical assembly of seven churches for the next four years. He presented the booklet as a significant resource for church leaders to foster a deeper understanding of nonviolence in their communities. The message advocates for the abandonment of hatred and division, promoting love, forgiveness, and meaningful dialogue as pathways to peace.
The compilation of the booklet commenced in April 2022, following a meeting of church leaders in Lukenya, near Nairobi, where they reaffirmed their unity and commitment to nonviolence. In March 2023, a subsequent gathering in Kit, South Sudan underscored the need for an introduction to nonviolence aligned with global calls by religious leaders, culminating in a request to PAX for educational resources on the topic.
Emmanuel Ira, the PAX South Sudan country director, indicated that the aim of the booklet is to foster a culture of peace, countering negative perceptions of South Sudanese communities. The development of this resource is part of ongoing efforts since 2018 to support churches in implementing an Action Plan for Peace in the region. This initiative signifies a proactive step towards altering the narrative surrounding violence in South Sudan.
This initiative arises from a broader context of conflict and violence in South Sudan, which has long been impacted by civil strife. In light of this, church leaders recognize their pivotal role in advocating for peace through spiritual teachings and communal engagement. The effort to promote nonviolence reflects a growing movement among religious organizations to address social issues and promote healing in their communities, ultimately aiming to create a sustainable environment for peace.
The launch of the ‘Active Non-Violence’ booklet represents a critical step for South Sudan’s churches in addressing violence through spiritual teachings and community engagement. Led by Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, this initiative encourages leaders to promote nonviolence as a core Gospel principle, focusing on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Through this collaborative effort with PAX, church leaders aim to reshape the perception of South Sudanese communities and foster lasting peace.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
