In an effort to promote peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, a country long affected by conflict and ethnic tensions, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) has launched a booklet on nonviolence. The initiative aims to equip Church leaders and communities with practical tools to advocate for hope, transformation, and lasting peace.

The booklet, titled  Active Non-Violence , was developed in collaboration with PAX, the largest peace organization in the Netherlands, which is dedicated to protecting civilians, ending armed conflicts, and fostering inclusive peace. This resource is intended to inspire Church leaders to go beyond words and take active steps toward peacebuilding.

Speaking at the launch event, Rev. Tut Kony Nyang Kon, General Secretary of the SSCC, emphasized the importance of practicing nonviolence both in words and actions. He urged churches to become sanctuaries of hope and transformation, equipping communities with the strength to overcome conflict and injustice through courage and grace.

Highlighting the significance of the booklet, Rev. Nyang encouraged Church leaders to lead by example in shaping the hearts and minds of their congregations toward reconciliation, justice, and unity. He noted that the booklet serves as a powerful tool to deepen the understanding of nonviolence as a divine mandate and a practical way of life. He further stated that it challenges people to reject hatred, vengeance, and division while embracing love, forgiveness, and dialogue as pathways to true and lasting peace.

The message of nonviolence extends beyond church walls, with a strong emphasis on education, advocacy, and community engagement. The SSCC hopes that this initiative will encourage individuals and communities to actively work towards a more peaceful South Sudan.

Rev. Nyang urged Church leaders to integrate the message of nonviolence into their sermons, Bible study gatherings, and evangelism campaigns, dedicating even just five minutes to emphasize its importance. He called on them to actively engage with their congregations by using every available opportunity to spread the principles of nonviolence.

With South Sudan still grappling with divisions and the scars of past conflicts, the SSCC’s initiative represents a crucial step in promoting peace and unity. By equipping religious leaders with knowledge and practical approaches to nonviolence, the booklet aims to serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and communities to seek reconciliation and justice through peaceful means.

As the world’s youngest nation continues its journey toward stability, efforts like this highlight the role of faith-based organizations in guiding communities toward healing and lasting peace.