WCC News: Thursdays in Black shares Valentine’s Day messages from the heart

“Love heals. It never hurts.” That’s just one of many messages—accompanied by beautiful images—shared by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Thursdays in Black campaign just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Photo: Gloria Koymans/WCC 12 February 2024 Thursdays in Black stands for a world free from rape and violence, and the Valentine’s Day messages help define what love is—and what it isn’t. “Love is kind,” reads one. “Love does not insist on its own way,” reads another. Images of flowers, clasped hands, and snow-covered forests draw people into what love should bring: feelings of peace, belonging, and safety.  "Let us celebrate loving relationships that affirm, respect, and care for the other,” said Sara Speicher, WCC communication officer. “And let us raise awareness that abuse—from coercive control to physical violence—have no place in love.” The Valentine’s messages are part of current “Top Ten Countdown” WCC social media campaign countdown suggesting ways to bring us all closer to a world without rape and violence. After Valentine’s Day, the countdown will feature “Challenge victim-blaming” and “Create a safe space.” “Hearts and flowers might be more visible on Valentine’s Day,” added Speicher, “but Thursdays in Black acts for love, safety, and respect all year round.”  WCC's Thursdays in Black Valentines Day resources Learn more about Thursdays in Black 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 general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. 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