One in four women has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. One in five women has experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. One in 10 women has experienced stalking victimization.
More than 43 million women and 38 million men experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Given these statistics, chances are you have, or someone close to you has been a victim of domestic violence.
A newly adopted social statement
The ELCA adopted the social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action and its accompanying resolutions at Churchwide Assembly this past summer in Milwaukee. The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ began its work of listening, study, and resource development in 2012.
Start by reading the FAQs to get a better sense of the process and scope of the message. Then download the social statement, read it, and discuss it in an adult forum, at a circle or general meeting. Invite men and women, and include teen women and men. The text consists of a short statement and a full statement that expands upon the central articles. A Spanish translation and study guide will be available soon.
The User’s Guide for Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action can help readers understand the social statement and includes an expanded glossary, bibliography, and index.
An epidemic
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.” Help the church respond to this epidemic by studying the new social statement in your congregation or community.
Linda Post Bushkofsky is executive director. This updated Throwback Thursday blog first ran in October 2014.
Click here or on the image to see the full infographic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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In our Southwest California Synod we had a very good hearing on the draft social statement. Our group included several woman pastors and a few men. I typed and submitted our recommendations. Two of the women pastors commented it was great to be able to vent about a variety of things. It was a good event, and now I am anxious to read the finished product. All of our social statement need to be read and discussed.
You’re right, Sharon! The social statements are helpful documents in so many ways, helping to guide our thinking on current issues. When someone asks “what do Lutherans think about XYZ?” we can turn to our social statements for answers. The statements also help us in our advocating on behalf of those whose voices are not heard. I know you know all of that, but there might be some other readers who do not.