The Eighth Triennial Convention (2011) of Women of the ELCA took action on both human trafficking and gender justice. The delegates called all women in the organization to support programs that educate women and children to avoid the dangers of sexual predators or dealers in pornography and human trafficking and to hold media accountable for shows and advertising the exploit women. The delegates also called all women to encourage elected officials to protect women and children from sexual violence and to support education about gender equality.
The two memorials acted on by the delegates give life to the commitment in our purpose statement that we will “engage in ministry and action and promoted healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.”
Women of the ELCA joined the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict (stoprapeinconflict.org), pledging to “call for urgent political leadership and concerted international action to prevent, protect and prosecute to stop rape in conflict.” You are encouraged to take the pledge as well. And you are encouraged to advocate for gender justice through and within your companion synod relationships.
This message draws on articles appearing in Interchange, the monthly leadership newsletter of Women of the ELCA. The ELCA task force charged with creating a social statement on justice and women concludes a two-day meeting today.