Empty Places at Our Tables
By Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA)
Today, and every Thursday, Presbyterian Women joins the World Council of Churches (WCC) to participate in Thursdays in Black. By wearing black, funereal clothing, we call attention to and mourn those women and girls who were robbed of their lives and dignity, leaving holes in the lives of others and empty places at our tables. Moreover, we commit ourselves to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG)—in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our cities, in our states, in our country, and around the world.
VAWG is a sin about which many don’t wish to speak or acknowledge. Unless we unite, lift our voices, and shine a bright light on this dark violence, it will continue unabated. In addition to the resources at WCC, Presbyterian Women encourages everyone to use and share the resources at We Will Speak Out, and the Faith Trust Institute.
Gracious and loving God,
It can sometimes feel like we are drowning in a sea of violence against women and girls. Please give us hearts to end this travesty, bodies to work to stop this evil, and minds to prevent violence against women and girls from occurring now and in the future.
Amen.