General Conference Responds to Rape and Sexual Misconduct
Under the leadership of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), the General Conference has recognized and responded to problems of sexual violence and harassment in the church and world.
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson and Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner wear Thursdays in Black at General Conference. (Joscie Cutchens photos)
On Thursday, April 25, delegates, bishops, observers, and others present wore black clothing as part of Thursdays in Black. Wearing black on Thursdays serves to recognize and lament acts of violence is a program sponsored by the World Council of Churches. GCSRW board member Emily Allen (lay delegate, California-Nevada Annual Conference) emphasizes that this movement is already upheld by United Methodists such as deaconesses in the Philippines and those in ecumenical settings at the World Council of Churches. The tagline for the practice is “Towards a world without rape and violence.” On Thursday morning, Bishop Latrelle Easterling preached a message affirming women survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
On Monday, April 29, General Conference attendees gathered for a Service of Lament, Confession, and Hope. This service, also sponsored by GCSRW, was conducted in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. The liturgy acknowledged the harm done through sexual misconduct, including harassment and violence, in and outside The United Methodist Church. The order of worship included confession and repentance, United Methodists called the church, including themselves, to accountability, and emphasized believing survivors’ stories.
A Service of Lament, Confession, and Hope acknowledged the harm done through sexual misconduct, including harassment and violence, in and outside The United Methodist Church.
Rev. Emily Nelms-Chastain (deacon, North Alabama AC) of the GCSRW board encourages United Methodists to remember that Thursdays in Black is a year-round movement. The World Council of Churches website states, “Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence.” This simple action can be done weekly, in congregations, schools, workplaces, ministry committees, and everywhere.
One important effect of Thursdays in Black and the Service of Lament is talking about sexual violence and harassment. These awful experiences that many women and people of all genders share are often treated as unacceptable topics, but to lament, confess, and hope for better, we must first acknowledge the existing problems. Your next opportunity to participate in Thursdays in Black is this Thursday, May 2.