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Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a pastoral message on gender-based violence. “It is hard to avoid the crushing news of the headlines and what they mean for individuals every day,” the message read, in part. “Today, I am writing specifically to address the sexual and gender-based violence that is all too familiar to many of us. I know many of you who are survivors live with this trauma and that the news cycle of these stories can push you deeper into despair and anxiety. I want you to know that I hear you. I see you.”
Curry continued: “I can only imagine what you are feeling. I understand that the trauma of sexual and gender-based violence goes deep. This church stands with you to say that all forms of sexual and gender-based violence are wrong. At their roots, these forms of violence are dehumanizing misuses of power. No one deserves this evil. All people are made in God’s own image. The abusive actions of others cannot change this truth.”
All people bear the image of God, Curry said. “It is my prayer that those who have been abused will know the healing power of God’s presence. It is my prayer that those who have wielded power to abuse another will come to know the gravity of their actions and, through the Spirit’s power, seek repentance and reparations wherever possible.
“As a church, we must continue to seek the welfare of all people for the sake of the abundant life Jesus came to give (John 10:10). We continue to, in the words of the Lord’s Prayer, seek the reign of God ‘on earth as in heaven.'”
The message included a list of ELCA resources on gender-based violence, such as:
- ELCA social messages on “Gender-based Violence,” “Commercial Sexual Exploitation” and “Child Protection.”
- ELCA domestic violence resources, including a study guide on resources for ministry sites.
- Boundaries training provided by each synod for its rostered ministers: Sexual Boundary Violations report.
- A Sexual Boundary Violations synod assessment tool.
- A resource providing helpline phone numbers.
