26.11.2020
16 Days of Activism Against Gender–Based Violence Against Women – MU Prayer Diary Available
Supported by the Archbishop of Armagh & the Archbishop of Dublin
Each year, beginning on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on December 10, International Human Rights Day, Mothers’ Union plays an active role in the international campaign of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender–Based Violence. This year All–Ireland Mothers’ Union have put together a thought provoking and reflective diary to guide us through each of the 16 Days.
Contributors include GFS, Protestant Aid, the Church and Society Commission, the Church of Ireland Marriage Council, CRiTiCALL and Bishops’ Appeal who highlight Mothers’ Union, Tearfund and Christian Aid supported projects.
Combatting gender–based violence is at the heart of Mothers’ Union concern through advocacy, prayer and practical matters.
The 16 Days Prayer Diary is a timely resource, given these pandemic times which have provided testimony to a disturbing “shadow pandemic”. In Ireland alone, Women’s Aid has witnessed a 43% increase in calls to their helplines since March 2020.
Worldwide, in 2020, Mothers’ Union is hosting a Global Day of Action on Saturday December 5. This Global Day is centred around the disturbing statistic that “1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced domestic or sexual abuse”. Mothers’ Union, as a leading women’s organisation, believes this to be unacceptable and contrary to the command of our calling as children of God.
‘But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love.’ Micah 6:8, The Message
The initiative is supported by the Archbishop of Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin, alongside other church leaders who have endorsed the diary:
Archbishop John McDowell stated: ‘How terrible must it be to be afraid when you hear a key in the door. How demoralising must it be to live your life in the home you have created against the dark background of control and belittlement. A civilised and compassionate society should do everything in its power to root out domestic abuse. And every Christian should help where they can.’
Archbishop Michael Jackson said: ‘Domestic abuse is all the more devastating because so often it is invisible except to the person who suffers and to the person who does violence to that person. The light goes out on life itself through the stripping out of personality, dignity and humanity itself. Domestic abuse is not an accident; it is a deliberate act of cruelty.’
A reflection on Transforming Prayer written by Bishop Kenneth Kearon, Chair of the Church of Ireland’s Church and Society Commission, is also included. The diary can be downloaded at this link.