|PIC1|The World Council of Churches has announced a series of Lenten study resources to help congregations confront violence against women.

The announcement has been timed to coincide with the International Day for the Eradication of Violence against Women today.

The interactive resources feature films and stories from women in Colombia, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and New Zealand. These and other resources like Bible studies and liturgy will be available as to download the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence website from February 17 to April 4. The website will also host an online discussion on efforts to end violence against women.

The WCC said women could be victims of different forms of violence, such as rape in war or caste oppression, but often faced the same suffering, fear, stigma and shame.

The study resources have been designed to help Christians bear witness and "reflect on ways that healing may come from honestly dealing with the sin", as well as having solidarity and compassion for both victims and perpetrators.

"These stories are shocking. But what also shines through is the resilience of these women. Against incredible odds, communities are finding ways to build solidarity and act compassionately," said Dr Fulata Mbano Moyo, WCC programme executive for Women in Church and Society.

"By calling violence against women by its real name – sin – and challenging the silence which has traditionally surrounded this issue, especially within the church, we are inviting people around the globe to work towards healing and wholeness, in their own lives and in the wider world."

The resources have been produced in partnership with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and the World Young Women's Christian Association (World YWCA).

WSCF general secretary Rev Michael Wallace said the organisations wanted to show that violence against women was a global problem "affecting all cultures and every part of society".

"Endemic levels of violence are a major theological challenge and a significant issue for young people. We cannot pretend this problem doesn't exist," he said.


A sample of the Lenten study resources "Cries of Anguish, Stories of Hope" is available at:
women.overcomingviolence.org