You have recently, as well as over the years, walked side-by-side with survivors and with those who have lost loved ones because of gender-based violence. Why is this church accompaniment so important? Dr Minott: Church accompaniment is important because Christ calls us to love, serve, protect, and stand with one another, especially those who are suffering. Survivors of gender-based violence often carry deep wounds: physical, emotional, spiritual, and social. The church must be a safe place where they are believed, supported, and treated with dignity. For families who have lost loved ones, the church’s presence matters. We cannot remove their grief, but we can refuse to let them walk through it alone. This accompaniment is also important because gender-based violence does not only happen “out there” in society. It also happens within our churches, our families, and our faith communities. We must be honest that gender-based violence has sometimes been committed or enabled by church leaders. That makes the church’s response even more urgent. Silence protects abuse. Truth, compassion, and accountability protect people. When the church walks with survivors, we bear witness to the gospel. We say clearly that every person is made in the image of God and deserves safety, justice, healing, and love. What new initiatives related to Thursdays in Black is the Jamaica Council of Churches undertaking? Dr Minott: The Jamaica Council of Churches continues to strengthen its commitment to Thursdays in Black as a public witness against gender-based violence. We are building partnerships with others who are also working to end gender-based violence. In 2025, this included the Regional Unit of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at the University of the West Indies and by extension WMW Jamaica, a nongovernmental organization with a vision of creating spaces that include reducing gender-based violence. Through this partnership, we took a more visible public stand, including public witness with placards, shared messaging, and community engagement. We invited churches to have small gatherings by their church gate on the Thursdays agreed. These public actions help to make the church’s position clear: we oppose all forms of gender-based violence, and we stand with survivors. The partnership also helps us connect faith, education, advocacy, and social action. We know the church cannot address this issue alone. We must work with others who bring research, experience, and community insight. Our aim is not only to wear black on Thursdays, and share helplines for abused women, men and children, but to build a culture of respect, safety, justice, and accountability throughout the church and the wider society. What can your ecumenical family pray for you? Dr Minott: Pray for courage, that we will speak honestly and act boldly against gender-based violence, even when it is uncomfortable. Pray for survivors and families who are grieving, that they will receive healing, justice, protection, and strong support. Pray for the churches in Jamaica, that we will become safer spaces for women, girls, children, and all vulnerable persons. Pray for wisdom as we build partnerships with other organizations and communities working to end gender-based violence. Pray for accountability within the church, especially where harm has been caused, ignored, or hidden. Pray that Thursdays in Black will not remain only a campaign, but will become part of a deeper movement of transformation, rooted in Christ’s love and justice.
Thursdays in Black | 
No comments:
Post a Comment