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People must be taken as they are, and we should never try make them or ourselves better by quarreling with them.

The Word Becomes Flesh

The church is paying attention to healthy relationships. I had the opportunity in the mid 90’s to work with the Family Violence Prevention Initiative of Nova Scotia, and even the Anglican Church in developing and delivering some programs for clergy and congregations. What a challenge, and what a joy to know about Fire in The Rose, Gethsemane and such programs. This was also the time when Canadian churches were developing sexual harassment policies and procedures. Maybe the church thought this was enough. So, it became silent. At least until recently. So, here I will provide opportunity to read, research and publish information what churches are saying and do to promote healthy relationships in at home, school, play and work.

Publications Articles, news releases, stories Links Where to find more information MensWork Men Speak Out

“The Role of the Churches in Promoting a Culture of Non-Violence”

Draft Paper is presented at LWF Council Meeting Hearing

GENEVA, 13 June 2001 (LWI) – “He reached the age of 15. Then he was hit by a bullet. Killed by another youngster, probably a Nazi activist. Benjamin,” said Rev. Ørnulf Steen from the Church of Norway, Oslo, telling the story of a young man, a victim of racially motivated violence in his mother’s country because his father was of African origin. Many young people in Norway’s capital were shaken by the news of Benjamin’s death. They had been confronted with the reality of racism and violence in their own midst. Fifteen to twenty thousand people gathered for a manifestation in honor of Benjamin and in protest against racism, calling on the country’s youth to build bridges and accept each other across racial and cultural borders.

Steen’s story was among others reported at the hearing on “The Role of the Churches in Promoting a Culture of Non-Violence,” a highlight on the agenda of the 12-19 June LWF Council Meeting in Chavannes-de-Bogis, near here. The theme for the hearing was chosen in response to the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) that was recently launched by the World Council of Churches (WCC). The hearing also provided an appropriate occasion for presentation of the draft paper “Churches Say ‘NO’ to Violence Against Women – Action Plan for the Churches” prepared by the desk for Women in Church and Society of the LWF Department for Mission and Development (DMD-WICAS).

Moderated by LWF Vice-President, Ms. Parmata Ishaya, from the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, the hearing included other stories and case studies presented by Dr. Mary Janssen van Raay (Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Rev. Dr. Wanda Deifelt (Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil), Ms. Lydia Siahaan (Protestant Christian Batak Church [Indonesia]), Ms. Semina Selimovic (LWF/DWS representative, Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Dr. Will Herzfeld, (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). All shared very moving and, at the same time, motivating examples of how churches are affected by violence in its different forms and how they can contribute to overcoming it.

UP UP

Dr. Sam Kobia, director of the WCC Cluster on Issues and Themes, and as such responsible for the Decade to Overcome Violence in the WCC, invited LWF member churches to make their contribution to DOV and join hands with other churches in working on a culture of peace. Being faithful to the Gospel of Christ requires overcoming the attitude, logic and consequences of the prevailing culture of violence. He pointed to encouraging examples of successful launches of DOV in different regions, which had been based on a very clear contextual focus and approach.

DMD-WICAS Secretary, Ms. Priscilla Singh, introduced the draft paper on violence against women through informative and thought-provoking interviews with LWF Council members, guests and staff. The LWF Council is asked to receive the report and recommend it for discussion and study to the LWF member churches.

Violence against women is not just an issue outside of the churches or a private family affair; it is also a reality within the churches themselves. Recognizing that violence against women is a sin, churches are called to become truly liberating and healing communities for women and in this way all who are oppressed.

(By Ms. Barbara Robra) http://lutheranworld.org/News/LWI/EN/000413.EN.html