Thursdays in Black

Attendees at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly show support for #ThursdaysinBlack.

In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence.

We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, including people who are transgender, and people who are gender non-conforming, are safe from rape and violence in homes and schools, at work and in society, and in our churches.

#ThursdaysinBlack is a global ecumenical campaign of the World Council of Churches. In 2019, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a social policy resolution calling upon all people across all expressions of the church to join by wearing black on Thursdays, and actively participating in various reflection and action items. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and National Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada both serve as Ambassadors for the #ThursdaysinBlack campaign.

The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of a global movement. Advocate for attitudes, policies, and practices that promote a no-tolerance culture against gender-based violence. Work for the safety, protection, and healing of those in harm’s way. Encourage others to join you.

Resources

• ELCA Gender-Based Violence Social Message
• ELCA Justice for Women resources
• World Council of Churches #ThursdaysinBlack Campaign including downloadble badges and button artwork
• Lutheran World Federation Gender Justice Policy
• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (US)
• Native Women's Association of Canada
• Bishop Susan Johnson of ELCIC on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in February 2020