In the framework of the observation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women at the end of November, the Adventist Church again launched its global enditnow® initiative. On this occasion, on Friday, November 22 and Sabbath, November 23, the Women's Ministries of the Church of Madrid-Alenza (MAR) presented its program: “I want a trauma-sensitive Church, what about you?”
MAR (Mujeres Alenzanas en Red) is the name they have designated for the women's department in our church, along with the blue color of their t-shirt. “A color that represents the vastness and depth of God's love. A love that we want to reflect in our community. In Isaiah 43:2, God promises us that ‘when you pass through the waters, I will be with you’; and in the same way, as MAR, we want to be present, networked, to accompany, strengthen and lift up every woman in need.”
Program on Friday and Sabbath
On Friday we began with the presentation of the dynamics of abuse, prayer, and a workshop presented by Sara Hernandez, a specialist on the issue of gender violence.
On Sabbath morning, we continued, with a historic compilation of enditnow®, which is, as explained on its page: “the most important stand the Seventh-day Adventist Church has ever taken on violence against women, men, and children. Through this campaign, more than 15 million Seventh-day Adventist church members, men, women, and children, are expected to create a global movement that will mobilize within their own communities, where each person will actively work to raise awareness and share solutions on ways to end this global problem.”
The central theme was delivered by Elisabeth Sandoval, director of the department. “Don't let me go”, was the chosen theme, how the church can be a place of support and accompaniment for those who have been victims. Five practical ideas were presented, on how to be a church sensitive to trauma.
Listen without judgment.
Do not isolate the victim after his or her disclosure of mistreatment or abuse.
Provide warmth and authentic support, which promotes healing.T
alk about the dangers of abuse and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Work to make our church a safe community.
Panel “Breaking the circle: in my church, we do talk about this”.
At 5:30 p.m. we began the third part of the program: a monologue representing one of the Mirabal sisters, Las Mariposas. The murder of Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa happened on November 25, 1960. They opposed the government of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. The UN established in 1999 that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women be celebrated every November 25 in memory of the Mirabal sisters, who were brutally murdered. Thus, their struggle is remembered worldwide.
In the second part, a panel entitled: “Breaking the circle: in my church we do talk about this” was developed. Different scenes from a movie were shown, among questions, answers, and wise interventions of the panelists with extensive experience in the issue of gender violence, such as Maya Mercier, social worker; Elisabeth Sandoval, psychologist; and Maribel Gomez, psychologist and counselor of the Church of Alenza.
As MAR we believe that these issues are as delicate as they are thorny, but that does not mean that they should not be addressed. It is vital to prevent and educate.
May God help us to be instruments of help, listening, and supportive solidarity for those who need it.
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror Psalm 10:17-18 NIV.
According to a report by: Ramielys Mejía, collaborator of MAR (Mujeres Alenzanas en Red), in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madrid-Alenza.
https://revista.adventista.es/enditnow-2024-en-madrid-alenza/