Thursdays in Black: A two-day virtual summit in November

The United Church of Christ Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries is hosting a two-day Thursdays in Black virtual summit in November to discuss and learn more about gender and sexual-based violence. The event takes place on both Thursday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Eastern via Zoom.

Thursdays in Black is an international campaign of advocacy and solidarity against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. It was first publicized by the World Council of Churches in the 1980s as a form of peaceful protest against rape and violence that seems to increase during wars and conflicts. 

Over the course of two-days, participants will learn how to partner in breaking the chains of gender and sexual based violence through deconstructing biblical narratives, witnessing through various actions, discovering social media’s influence on youth, and other various ways to prevent violence and stop anti-trafficking work.

“Deconstructing narratives around sexual and gender based violence is critical for the liberation of all bodies,” Rachael Ward, minister for Gender & Sexuality Justice, shared. “Womyn, children and their families deserve a world that prioritizes their voices, needs and ability to live in a violent-free world.”

UCC General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson begins the summit with a welcome on day one. Participants will then look at “Breaking the Chains: Deconstructing the Narrative,” with theological grounding and testimony in action. Panelists include Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder, of the Theological Seminary of Chicago.

In the second session, there will be a welcome from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Minister and President Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens. There will be participation from Rahab’s Daughters co-founder Minister Sharmila “Sam” Wijeyakumar, a trafficking survivor, as well as male-identifying panelists.

“Having dialogue about the diverse reality of how sexual and gender-based violence shows up, its history and action we can take makes a more just world possible,” Ward added.

“Sexual and gender-based violence happens in every community around the world. Our global partners are responding in a variety of ways and have much to share with us about how they deconstruct harmful narratives and work to end this form of violence in their contexts,” said Rebekah Choate, minister for Global Advocacy and Education with the UCC. “It will take all of us together to end sexual and gender-based violence.”

Register for the program HERE.

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