In an effort to promote peace and heal the wounds of conflict in South Sudan, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has unveiled a new booklet focused on non-violence, aiming to inspire reconciliation and transformation throughout the nation.
The resource, created in partnership with PAX, a leading Dutch peace organization, encourages both church leaders and the wider community to engage in action that fosters hope and unity. The booklet serves as a practical tool for advocating peace, urging South Sudanese people to move beyond divisive rhetoric and embrace nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution.
Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, the General Secretary of SSCC, addressed attendees at the launch, highlighting the booklet’s significance in fostering active nonviolence as both a moral imperative and a daily practice. He encouraged church leaders to not only preach about peace but to model it through their actions, making churches centres of hope and reconciliation. Rev. Nyang urged the congregation to adopt nonviolence in their hearts, rejecting hatred and vengeance, and instead embracing love, forgiveness, and dialogue as the path to lasting peace. His message stressed that these values are vital in overcoming South Sudan’s longstanding ethnic tensions and conflicts.
The SSCC’s new initiative comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, as the country continues to grapple with its history of violence. The booklet, titled “Active Non-Violence,” is designed to deepen the understanding of peacebuilding, calling on church leaders to use their influence in every aspect of church life, from preaching to community outreach. By integrating nonviolence into their teachings and actions, church leaders are encouraged to play an active role in shaping a more peaceful, just society. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, the SSCC aims to build a culture of peace that can help heal divisions and foster long-term stability in the country.