Communities and individuals of all faiths and none are invited to make a powerful, international statement of their commitment to end rape and violence through contributing to a large tapestry exhibit being developed by the World Council of Churches for its Assembly, 31 August-8 September 2022.The tapestry is designed as a waterfall with messages and images from around the world. In addition to the WCC Assembly, it is intended to be displayed at other prominent locations, from the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva to the United Nations in New York.Photo:Marcelo Schneider/WCC Two new Thursdays in Black Bible studies will draw women and men together in exploring scriptures in which the treatment of women resonates with today’s society. As the Thursdays in Black campaign works for a world free from rape and violence, the Bible studies, entitled“Exorcising the Silence in David’s House,” and“Solomon’s Wisdom in Judgment,” are both designed to promote honest, open conversation about what is silencing women today, and how we can seek justice for women who are marginalized. The Bible studies are being released to coincide with"16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence," an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. “Exorcising the Silence in David’s House,” being released today, 24 November, will be explored in-depth during an online Bible Study opportunity on 5 December. The study invites readers to explore 2 Samuel 11-13 and Psalm 51 and begins by describing the silence in King David’s house.“A silence to be uncovered and interrogated,” the text reads.“A silence shielding toxic masculinities shrouding women in shame and blame as rape and violence are committed against their bodies and their children.” The study goes on to describe how toxic masculinities lead to abuse, how the prophet Nathan brings a spiritual and moral voice into the scene, and finally, through creative poetry, how we can give voice to Bathsheba and Tamar as they join Nathan to speak to the pain of the house of David. “Solomon’s Wisdom in Judgment,” which will be released on 8 December, explores the story of two prostitutes, both recent mothers living together, who come before the king in a quest for him to determine the“real” mother of the surviving child when one of the babies dies. The study notes that today, as in biblical times, prostitutes are a particularly marginalized section of the population. "In desperation, many women are drawn into prostitution by exploitative pimps and some by the basic need to put food on the table,” the text reads.“Not only are prostitutes marginalized, but they also tend to be treated as immoral outcasts, a blight to society.” Each Bible study includes questions for reflection, suggested activities, and a prayer. Thursdays in Black Online Bible Study
Monday, 5 December 2022
2:00-3:30 pm (Geneva)/8:00-2:30pm (New York)
Language: English
Register in advance Thursdays in Black Bible Study: Exorcising the Silence in David’s House 16 Days against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SOURCE>WCC |