23 April 2020
‘ … when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:39 – 40 NRSV
As countries respond to COVID-19 with necessary restrictions on
movements and activities, more people are calling violence hotlines and
crying for help in other ways. The effects of lockdown, job losses, and
the sheer vulnerability of people who were already on the margins of
society are all serious concerns. Such stresses, experts say, can
contribute to higher incidences of violence. Further, the incidences of
gender-based violence may be higher than reported because of the
barriers to seeking help during global quarantines.
Conflicts and crises nearly always carry gender-based burdens – which
can be compounded by other factors such as race and ethnicity, ability,
and economics. Gender-based violence, along with other forms of
violence and oppression, are exacerbated during times of crisis. The
COVID-19 pandemic is no different.
As Thursdays In Black Ambassadors for the World Council of Churches,
we appeal to WCC member churches, ecumenical and interfaith partners,
and persons of goodwill to actively help raise awareness, protect
against, and prevent rising levels of gender-based violence during this
global COVID-19 pandemic. We do so as part of our longstanding
individual and collective commitments to gender justice, and as part of
our pilgrimage toward justice and peace. During these times, and always,
we must enable and promote safe spaces for all.
We urge everyone to care for the persons in their homes, personal
relationships, and in all workplaces still serving the public good.
Violence is not the solution for frustration with or fears about the
spread of COVID-19.
Change must take place at the grassroots as well as at the leadership
levels, and we appeal to individuals and community agencies to assist
in providing mechanisms for the protection of the vulnerable among us.
We encourage individuals to seek pastoral and social service care if
you are experiencing stress and need support to care for and protect
people in your daily life. We also invite you to participate in Thursdays in Black at home and post your photos on social media using #ThursdaysinBlack.
We are inspired by churches who have already proactively responded
to those in their communities with increased vulnerability, by raising
awareness of helplines, ensuring people are connected, delivering food
and providing for basic needs. We encourage churches to be involved in
creating physical and virtual safe spaces for those who are not safe in
their homes. This can include support to local professionals and
caregivers in the field of sexual and gender-based violence through
prayer, space, materials, and money.
As people of faith and of goodwill, we must continue to speak and act
in our communities to ensure that our responses protect everyone: from
guaranteeing that those on the frontlines of caring have adequate
protective gear, regardless of their place in the medical hierarchy, to
finding effective and creative ways to continue services for learning,
employment, counselling and support. While we need to prevent the spread
of COVID-19, we must not victimize or stigmatize people in the process.
We also must look beyond the current crisis and renew our resolve to
address the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence that are
only exacerbated during conflicts and crises. Rather than wish for a
return to “normal”, which has perpetuated gender-based inequities and
disparities, we can more firmly proclaim our vision for societies based
on justice and peace that ultimately reduce vulnerabilities for all.
An unusual time asks for unusual responses. As Thursdays in Black
ambassadors, we pray that people of faith join us in creating a world of
justice and peace in these challenging times.
Signed:Dr Agnes Abuom, Moderator, World Council of Churches Central Committee
Claudia Bandixen, Switzerland
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson, General Secretary, World Communion of Reformed Churches
Jouni Hemberg, Executive Director, Finn Church Aid
The Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Mrs Alison Judd, World President, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women
Larissa Aguiar Garcia, Brazil
Rev. Dr Anders Göranzon, General Secretary of the Swedish Bible Society
Rev. Damon Mkandawire, Hospital Administrator, Mbereshi Mission Hospital, Zambia
Rhee, Hanbeet, Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Presiding Bishop Elect, Bishops’ Conference of the Church of Norway
Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Geneva Secretary, World Methodist Council