Cries of Anguish; Stories of Hope - Multimedia study series on gender violence launched for Lent
Cries of Anguish; Stories of Hope - a series of online Lenten study resources on the struggle to end violence against women will be launched February 15 during a prayer service at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, will participate and WCC Programme Executive for Women in Church and Society, Dr Fulata Mbano Moyo, will discuss biblical texts addressing violence against women.
‘Cries of Anguish, Stories of Hope’ is the name of the resources, designed to helps Christians to "reflect on ways that healing may come from honestly dealing with the sin", and to give them compassion towards victims and perpetrators of violence. The campaign is a partnership of the WCC, the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and the World YWCA.
"During Lent, we remember Jesus in the wilderness, wrestling with the temptations to betray his true vocation as the incarnation of God. Sometimes we are tempted to turn a blind eye to the horrors of the world; to feel despair; or to blame the victims themselves," states Mbano Moyo. "We hope that through following this study series, people will reject these temptations and explore the underlying causes of violence. This can enable people to act compassionately, even in small ways, for solidarity and liberation."
The study resources offer a weekly film focusing on the lives of women in various parts of the world, including India, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and South Africa. Each film is accompanied by a Bible study, a fact sheet, discussion starters and worship resources. The study can be followed by individuals or groups and all resources are downloadable.
"This is a new style of Lent study," says Dr Manoj Kurian, the WCC programme executive for Health and Healing. "The impact of violence against women is a major public health issue and we want people to have an idea of the wide range of efforts communities across the world are making to alleviate and prevent this violence. Although the issue is harrowing, the stories highlight signs of hope, as God works through individuals and agencies to bring healing."
"The videos illustrate the kinds of violence women experience including by intimate partners, through trafficking, sexual exploitation and sexual violence in conflict settings", explains Natalie Fisher-Spalton, World YWCA Deputy General Secretary.
Initial reactions to the study have been positive. "I found them excellent," wrote a respondent from Aotearoa New Zealand who had viewed the sample pages currently online. "I found the issues raised … are ones I could relate to."
