WCC central committee members demonstrate commitment to Thursdays in Black

Thursdays in Black is a global movement towards a world without rape and violence. Originating during the WCC’s Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women (1988-1998), it is now taken up by individuals and groups around the world.

“In the Pacific, we joined the initial campaign over 30 years ago during the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women,” says Rev. James Bhagwan, general secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches. “Thursdays in Black has been a practice for many women’s groups and human rights defenders to stand in solidarity against domestic violence and rape.”

“By dressing in black, by wearing a pin to say why we are in black, and in these pandemic times having a virtual background in our online encounters that proclaims ‘Thursdays in Black,’ we can all take a visible stand against sexual abuse and violence,” says Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary, Conference of European Churches.

In today’s regional gatherings, the moderators paused discussion to reflect on the importance of the symbolism of the movement. In a collective statement, they emphasized through Thursdays in Black “that we respect and support those who have experienced sexual abuse and violence. That we honour those who are resilient in the face of tremendous personal pain and injustice.  That we stand together with a vision of a different world where women, children, vulnerable people, feel safe and experience truly loving relationships.”

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WCC central committee meeting 2021

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Thursdays in Black virtual backgrounds