On January 27, 2025, the SSCC, in collaboration with PAX, launched the “Active Non-Violence” booklet aimed at empowering church leaders in fostering peace in South Sudan. This initiative follows decades of conflict and is part of a broader strategy to promote reconciliation within communities. Key figures, including Emmanuel Ira and Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, emphasized the importance of nonviolence as a communal responsibility and a reflection of moral teachings.
On January 27, 2025, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in partnership with PAX, launched a groundbreaking booklet titled “Active Non-Violence.” This resource aims to equip faith-based leaders with practical guidance for fostering peace and reconciliation in communities deeply affected by decades of conflict, including the civil war that began in December 2013.
The motivation behind the booklet stemmed from the SSCC’s need for a new strategy to achieve sustainable peace in South Sudan. Members of the SSCC convened in Kigali, Rwanda, where they decided to create an essential resource that reflects their commitment to a church-led peacebuilding initiative through the Action Plan for Peace.
During the launch, Emmanuel Ira, the South Sudan Country Director for PAX, emphasized that the publication’s intent is to challenge the narrative surrounding South Sudanese communities being inherently violent. He stated, “The purpose of the publication is to contribute to a just peace. We want to break this culture that most people think that South Sudanese are violent communities.”
General Secretary of SSCC, Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, highlighted the booklet’s potential to deepen understanding of nonviolence as both a divine mandate and practical lifestyle choice. He asserted that it serves as a tool not only for church leaders but for all individuals, encouraging a communal approach to peacebuilding.
Rev. Nyang urged church leaders to actively engage their congregations by utilizing the booklet’s teachings in sermons, Bible study sessions, and outreach campaigns. He called for churches to transform into sanctuaries of hope that empower communities to confront conflicts with courage and grace.
James Makuei Chuol, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, acknowledged the church’s longstanding commitment to peacebuilding. The booklet was a result of previous decisions made during a 2022 meeting in Lukenya, Kenya, and drew inspiration from the Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage led by Pope Francis in 2023.
In South Sudan, a nation grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict, the SSCC and PAX have recognized the need for a proactive approach to peace. The launch of the booklet “Active Non-Violence” reflects a collaborative effort to harness the influence of faith leaders in promoting reconciliation and addressing the root causes of violence. The resource aims to inspire a shift in perception around violence, focusing instead on the promotion of nonviolent practices within the community.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet represents a significant step towards empowering church leaders in South Sudan to promote peace and reconciliation. By challenging entrenched perceptions of violence and equipping leaders with practical tools, the SSCC and PAX hope to foster a culture of nonviolence that resonates throughout the communities. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of sustainable peace and highlights the essential role of faith in transformative social change.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
