The Episcopal Diocese of New York has prepared a 12-page toolkit to help churches observe “Break the Silence Sunday” on Nov. 26, in support of the 16 Days Campaign against gender-based violence.
From the toolkit’s introduction:
Churches throughout Anglican Communion, including The Episcopal Church, take part in the 16 Days Campaign against gender-based violence, which runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). The 16 Days period includes other significant dates, like International Human Rights Defenders Day (November 29), World Aids Day (December 1), and the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre (December 6). We think it appropriate to celebrate Break The Silence Sunday during this period.
Break The Silence Sunday is a resource for churches to actively support survivors of sexual violence, particularly in the context of worship. The goal is three-fold:
- to help congregations learn about the reality and scope of the problem of sexual violence;
- to establish congregations as communities where survivors can share their stories and be received with hope and love; and
- to provide congregations with ways to advocate for change in their communities and around the world.
Download the Toolkit
