WCC NEWS: Looking back with both gratitude and lamentation, Thursdays in Black ambassadors urge continuation of work

As this season of World Council of Churches (WCC) Thursdays in Black ambassadors draws to a close, they reflected on the positive changes they were able to make, as well as the pain of knowing how many women in the world are still suffering from gender-based violence. 1 September 2022, Karlsruhe, Germany: Many of the Thursdays in Black Ambassadors gather for a group photo in front of a tapestry supporting the campaign against gender-based violence that hangs at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The tapestry is designed as a waterfall with messages and images from around the world. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme "Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity." Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC 07 December 2022 Under the tenure of the 26 ambassadors, the Thursdays in Black campaign for a world free from rape and violence has grown—locally, regionally, and globally. As leaders in their community, the ambassadors demonstrated their commitment to being visible and outspoken in the Thursdays in Black movement. By standing together from many sectors and many countries, they conveyed a sense of solidarity against violence and injustice. They led a series of Bible studies to help individuals and congregations reflect on sexual and gender-based violence, listen to the word of God, and apply their faith and vision of justice, peace, and love. They also released three joint statements that, in addition to addressing specific current challenges, called on faith communities to prevent gender-based violence in their own spaces. Moments of gratitude—and lamentation Rev. Dr Anders Göranzon, general secretary of the Swedish Bible Society, reflected that he had made it a routine to dress in black every Thursday even before he was asked to be an ambassador. “The experience of the reactions from people to the waterfall tapestry at the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe was an overwhelming experience,” he said, referring to a collection of colorful panels from across the world depicting personal experiences with tragedy and hope related to gender-based violence. “From delegates and visitors' reactions I could sense that the campaign is important to more people than we maybe understand.” Ambassador Casey Harden, World YWCA general secretary, deeply believes that the ecumenical community can be a leader in transforming power structures. But, she added, the work must continue. “The ravage of gender-based violence seems like it will never abate,” she said. “It is often the victim, the survivor, who ends up leaving their church or their spiritual home in order to be safe, or in order to unequivocally be believed and supported.” Ambassador Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Geneva secretary of the World Methodist Council, expressed appreciation for learning from and with the other ambassadors—their wisdom, their passion, and their contexts. “At the same time there is work to do to detect theological arguments that justify patriarchy and gender-based violence,” she said. “The WCC is a platform where such theological reflection has to happen; we have to hold one another accountable as member churches and church traditions.” Thank you, ambassadors WCC deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri thanked the ambassadors for their leadership and contribution. “You have been instrumental – in your own network and throughout the WCC fellowship – in raising the visibility of the campaign and providing a strong and prophetic voice against gender-based violence,” she said. “We are profoundly grateful for your leadership and active participation over these several years, recognizing, too, that your service as an ambassador has gone beyond the one year commitment initially envisioned, which is a testament to your convictions to work actively for a world without rape and violence.” New ambassadors The WCC is now seeking nominations for potential Thursdays in Black ambassadors. “Time and again, we see that high-profile people can amplify vital messages,” said Phiri. “Whether for health, charity or justice, people with high profile can speak through the media and their own channels to reach hundreds of thousands – and even millions – of people with life-saving, life-changing words and actions.” Thursdays in Black Ambassadors play a vital role in increasing the impact of the collective call for a world without rape and violence, said Phiri. “By standing together from many sectors and many countries, Thursdays in Black ambassadors will convey the solidarity against violence and injustice.” Individuals commit to participate visibly in Thursdays in Black at national, regional, or international levels for at least one year. To nominate an ambassador, please send an email to media@wcc-coe.org with the name and a short description of  who they are and what they would like to achieve as a Thursdays in Black ambassador. Reflections from Thursdays in Black Ambassadors Thursdays in Black Ambassadors See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland