Gender-based violence is truly an epidemic that cuts across every community, age, economic status, race and religion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe intimate partner violence as a “serious, preventable public health problem.” The ELCA’s Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ requested that a social message on gender-based violence be created and the ELCA Church Council agreed. A draft social message is now available for study and comment. Help the church respond to this epidemic by participating now in the draft social message review.
Start by reading the FAQs to get a better sense of the process and scope of the message. Then download the message, read it and make plans to discuss it in an adult forum, at a circle or general meeting or at a special event called just for that purpose. Invite men and women, and include teen women and men. Make copies of the draft and distribute in advance. Facilitate the discussion, having someone taking notes. Offer feedback on the draft before the November 26 deadline.
This is adapted from a blog post written by Linda Post Bushkofsky entitled “Helpless? No!” that was originally published on October 2, 2014, on the Women of the ELCA blog.
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