The World Council of Churches (WCC) yesterday announced an upcoming campaign to address violence against women and children, entitled “On the Wings of a Dove”. The campaign’s theme is taken from the Book of Psalms Chapter 55 which gives hope for God’s help in hopeless situations.

In the light of the increasing violence among people of different races and religions, the WCC is committed to call churches, ecumenical organisations, and all people of goodwill, to turn away from hatred and to seek for peace, justice and reconciliation at all levels to heal the fragmented world. Since 2001, the WCC has launched the Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010), and “On the Wings of a Dove” is under its framework.

The campaign will run from 25th November until 10th December 2004. 25th November marks the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women while 10th December will be the International Human Rights Day. The World AIDS Day on 1st December is included in the 16-Day period as well.

Worships and prayer vigils, discussions and exhibitions are examples of the campaign activities planned for the 16 days.

In times of wars and disasters, usually the vulnerable ones such as women and children are the most affected victims. The WCC points to the teachings of the Bible, that Christians have the mission to take care of the weak. The campaign helps promoting public awareness to the issue, attempting to bring justice and healing to those who have suffered or are still suffering from violence.

The campaign addresses various kinds of violence against women and children on both the political and domestic levels. Violence in the family, sexual violence, violence against women and children in war areas, children's work, or discriminatory laws are examples of the multifaceted nature of violence against women and children.

The campaign is designed to mobilise the churches to develop pastoral and practical responses to various forms of violence by providing a safe space for women to tell their stories, by offering counselling both to survivors and perpetrators of violence, and by linking with other groups and movements working on overcoming violence.

The WCC provides a wide range of online resources such as the liturgical material, Bible studies and reflections as well as books, films, articles and exhibits to be used for campaign-related worship and other activities.

On the opening of the campaign, which will be held at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, women from the Sudan Council of Churches and the Community Development Association (Khartoum) will be invited to share their experiences.