South Sudan Churches Launch Non-Violence Guidelines to Promote Peace

The South Sudan Council of Churches, with PAX, launched the booklet “Active Non-Violence” to combat violence by promoting peace based on Christian teachings. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang emphasized the role of church leaders in fostering reconciliation and urged active engagement with congregations on nonviolence, aiming to transform perceptions and communities in South Sudan.

The South Sudan Council of Churches, in collaboration with PAX, has launched a booklet titled “Active Non-Violence” aimed at addressing violence within the country. The cover of this booklet features a map of South Sudan, complemented by an illustration of a dove carrying an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Rev. Tut Kony Nyang, general secretary of the Council, emphasized that nonviolence embodies the essence of the Gospel, rooted in the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

At the launch, Rev. Nyang highlighted the crucial role of church leaders in fostering reconciliation, justice, and unity within their communities. Having recently taken over leadership for the next four years, he reiterated the significance of the booklet as a resource to advance understanding of nonviolence among church leaders, urging them to promote love, forgiveness, and dialogue.

He called for a proactive approach by engaging congregations on nonviolence, through preaching and Bible studies. His vision is to transform churches into sanctuaries of hope and transformation, empowering the communities to overcome conflicts with resilience. The initiative began in April 2022, during a gathering in Lukenya where leaders committed to fostering a culture of nonviolence.

During a follow-up meeting in March 2023 in Kit, the church leaders reaffirmed the need for educational resources on nonviolence. They reviewed calls for peace from notable religious figures, including Pope Francis, and requested assistance from PAX to develop supportive materials for the South Sudanese populace. PAX has been actively involved since 2018 to promote peace among four churches.

Emmanuel Ira, PAX South Sudan country director, stated that the creation of this booklet aims to establish a just peace for the South Sudanese. He expressed hopes to dispel the perception of South Sudan as a violent community, viewing this initiative as the starting point for fostering a new understanding of peace in society.

The initiative for the guidelines on nonviolence arises from ongoing concerns about violence in South Sudan, a nation often associated with conflict. This document serves as a crucial tool for clergy and church leaders to promote peace based on Christian principles, leveraging the historical teachings of Jesus Christ. The collaboration between the South Sudan Council of Churches and the Dutch organization PAX focuses on transforming communities through education and grassroots engagement.

The efforts by the South Sudan Council of Churches and PAX to promote nonviolence through their booklet represent a significant step towards fostering peace in the nation. By encouraging church leaders to engage actively with their communities, the initiative aims to reshape perceptions of violence within South Sudan. If embraced widely, these guidelines could lead to a culture rooted in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting the core values of the Gospel.

Original Source: www.oikoumene.org