PNS article excerpt, October 2, 2019
Down the street and around the globe, Presbyterians are committed to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence.
Noting that an estimated 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime, UN Population Fund observes that gender-based violence “knows no social, economic or national boundaries.” Each year, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations brings a PC(USA) delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women. This body shapes global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
At all levels of the church, Presbyterians are involved in ministries that deal with the trauma inflicted by gender-based violence, as well as the root causes of inequality and violence and to advance policies and perspectives that will result in greater expressions of equality for women and girls.
Local churches support shelters that serve domestic violence survivors. First Presbyterian Church of Dimondale, Michigan, supports the SIREN/Eaton Shelter. They provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management and resource referrals, life skills instruction and a basic needs bank.
Around the world, Presbyterians share wisdom across cultural and political boundaries aimed at raising the status of women. In South Korea, Rev. Moon-Sook Lee works to eradicate sexual violence and sex trafficking. In Guatemala, Rev. Mateo González, leads men’s groups in various congregations using a resource titled "Men in the Mirror: Orienting Our Lives Toward a Christ-Centered Masculinity.”
Presbyterians are seeking to live out Christ’s call by addressing gender-based violence to work for “peace at all times in all ways.” (2 Thess. 3:16).
Dear Lord,
Our hearts are heavy with the intensified violence against women and girls during this pandemic. We pray that Your light may shine through the darkness and break the chains of abuse. To all who are hurting, cover them with Your peace, surround them with Your unending love, and bring wholeness and strength. And may we readily be Your instrument of healing on this earth. Amen
Action:
Take part in Thursdays in Black Campaign and make the pledge!
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