Launch of ‘Active Non-Violence’ Booklet Marks New Peace Initiative in South Sudan
Church leaders in South Sudan, with the support of The Netherlands peace agency, Pax, launched the “Active Non-Violence” booklet to promote peace and reconciliation. This innovative resource aims to empower leaders to adopt non-violent conflict resolution methods post decades of violence. It emphasizes active engagement in peacebuilding, calling upon all community members to reject vengeance in favor of love and dialogue.
The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), in partnership with The Netherlands peace agency, Pax, has unveiled a groundbreaking booklet entitled “Active Non-Violence.” This publication is specifically aimed at empowering church leaders in South Sudan to foster peace and reconciliation within their communities. It represents a significant step in promoting non-violent conflict resolution, an essential need after decades of violence, including the civil war following the nation’s independence in 2011.
The initiative was born from a commitment made by church leaders in Kigali, Rwanda, who recognized the necessity of adopting new non-violent strategies in response to the persistent conflicts in South Sudan. Pax was engaged to create this vital resource under the church-led Action Plan for Peace (APP). Emmanuel Ira, the Pax Country Director, stated that the booklet seeks to reshape the narrative around violence, asserting that “We want to break this culture that most people think that South Sudanese are violent communities.”
Mr. Ira highlighted the urgent importance of this initiative, given the historical context and the current leadership’s dedication to establishing peace. James Makuei Chuol, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and Sudan, reiterated the church’s unwavering dedication to peacebuilding, referencing their active role during previous conflicts and the independence movement. He noted that this publication is rooted in decisions made during a 2022 gathering and inspired by the 2023 Ecumenical Peace Pilgrimage.
The launch of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet comes at a crucial time in South Sudan’s journey towards peace. Since gaining independence in 2011, the nation has faced ongoing unrest and violence, necessitating new frameworks for conflict resolution. Church leaders have been pivotal in advocating for peace, and this booklet serves as a comprehensive guide designed to empower them in their mission. It embodies a strategic response to the urgent need for non-violent methods of addressing disputes within communities in South Sudan.
The unveiling of the “Active Non-Violence” booklet signifies a proactive step toward fostering peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. It seeks to transform perceptions of violence within communities and empowers church leaders to become catalysts for change. Church leaders have been called upon not only to read the booklet but to actively implement its principles, fostering a culture of dialogue, love, and forgiveness within society.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
