Originally published on Calcasa.org
In what ways do faith based communities connect to the movement to end sexual violence? Traditionally, religious groups have reference their doctrines for the reasons to speak for the voiceless, hopeless and the homeless. The faith-based had confidence that the vulnerable will receive support due to a moral compass. Currently, the principles of decision makers and the powers to be are in question. Are they capable of leading morally and ethically? Does the church have to “pray with legs” (Fredrick Douglass) to help ensure a future without callous for the least of these? (Matthew 25:40-45)
Major faith-based communities are transforming their faith into action–locally, statewide and nationally. Faith-based organizations are addressing social injustice, inequities and gender-based violence (GBV). For example, City Pastors Fellowship (CPF) in Sacramento, California drafted a document called “Sacramento Wins” in support of the LGBT victims of the 2016 Orlando, Florida nightclub shooting and denounced a local pastor’s biblical rationalization for the victims’ deaths.
Nationally, the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. Peter Morales, wrote a letter to Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministers acknowledging the human rights violations and potential violence that marginalized groups (women, the poor, people of color, and transgender people) may be subjected to. Rev. Morales wants the UU church, which is known for advocacy for vulnerable populations, to provide sanctuaries and challenge human rights abuses.
In comparison, anti-gender-based violence agencies provide refuge and advocacy for victims/survivors of violence and abuse.
Historically, these two systems have advocated on behalf of congregants and community members to ensure their safety, wellness and healing. Theses systems have shown their effectiveness as separate entities, but if they unite their efforts, it could help augment partnerships between the inter-faith community, secular organizations and rape crisis centers (RCCs).
RCCs can cultivate relationships and initiate collaborations through presentations about their service deliveries and learning about faith-based organizations’ ministerial services. This will open the lines of communication about shared commonalities, open opportunities for cross-system trainings and learning clusters. This approach will help further strengthen efforts to influence positions and practices related to gender-based violence and healing.
This is a new approach for some anti-gender-based violence agencies and an established practice for others. For example, My Sister’s House co-hosted an annual “High Tea” with the Chinese Community Church to show their solidarity to end gender-based violence. This October will mark the 10th “High Tea” anniversary. In addition, Women’s Desert, Inc. works closely with faith-based organizations in Ridgecrest, CA to assist with monthly support groups, resources and in-kind donations. And CALCASA and Samaritan Safe Church will host the Faith-Based Collaborative Facilitator Training for clergy and advocates as its inaugural approach.
This method can help find solutions to address the social ills that are causing current turmoil before it become the new tradition.
Adrienne N. Spires
Program Coordinator
Assist Victims of Trauma Through Healing