PLATFORM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE

Sponsored by the Women’s Ministries Department in collaboration with the Ministerial Association, a Training and Pastoral Orientation Course was organized on March 1, 2020, in the Aragon area, one of the big districts of the Spanish Union of Seventh-Day Adventists on the topic of gender-based violence and propagation of equality. The Spanish Union is committed to Women’ Ministries, and has undertaken a lot of very interesting and very important projects.
Pastor Richard Ruszuly was in charge of introducing the course. The speakers were Pastor Roberto Badenas, who spoke about the theological approach. The aim was to find out what biblical principles demand the exclusion of all forms of violence irreconcilable from the Christian family. The most frequent myths and errors about the human relationships between men and women were dismantled in the light of the Bible. He also addressed proposals for pastoral action, the aim of which is to make the pastoral corps and other church officers aware of what they can do to prevent and combat domestic violence. Another point that was addressed was the need to sensitize the church in general about the need to develop a culture of mutual respect, brotherly love and family harmony that make these attitudes distinctive signs of Adventist spirituality.
These were high-level presentations from which we learned a great deal. Pastor Cicerone Comanescu, in a masterful presentation, told us about the meaning of κεφαλή (kephale – the head) in Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."
Our national lawyer, Olga Calonge, clarified very important points regarding jurisdiction.
With her characteristic skill and freshness. Sara Hernandez, equal opportunities officer, had several very elaborate presentations, in which she spoke about gender equality from a social perspective, and this approach to gender violence.
Our Women’s Ministries director, Amalia Reta, who is coordinating this project, has put together a very effective team, which will give good service to the Spanish Union of Adventists and its membership.
The truth is that I feel grateful to have benefited from this event, and from all the testimonies that were expressed, we could see that this platform will be very effective and beneficial. May the Lord bless the work being done.
Reported by Janet Ribera, Women’s Ministries Director for the Church of Zaragoza Torrero Photos: WM Spain