You might wonder what is Thursdays in Black. It is an initiative driven by LUCSA (Lutheran Communion of Southern Africa) in a bid to create awareness of the scourge of gender injustices that are happening in our communities.

There are so many ways that people are suffering the injustices of abuse and violence.

Sometimes by members of their own family, or by neighbours, work colleagues or fellow learners. In the build up to the festive season, which is often marred by abuse, the Lutheran Church appeals to every Christian to take time during your prayers and your daily life to become more aware of the many injustices around you. We need to stand together and do everything in our power to make our churches places where the victims of abuse and violence can come to and find a safe space, love and acceptance; where people may know that they will be listened to, treated with dignity and also be supported in finding help for their situation.

We as fellow Christians, need to be the voice of those who are being silenced, and the ones who reach out and say: “let me go with you to seek the help you need”.

Thursdays in Black is thus all about giving a voice to the voiceless and creating awareness by wearing BLACK every Thursday.

I conclude with the words from the “Thursdays in Black” theme song:

  1. I am because we all are
    created by a loving God.
    Respect me and defend me
    Even if we don’t agree
    You are because we all are
    created by a loving God.

  2. I am because we all are
    created by a loving God.
    Stop abuse and let me be,
    do not harass or use me,
    You are because we all are
    created by a loving God.

  3. I am because we all are
    created by a loving God,
    so that we can all be free
    not for sale, let us agree
    I am because we all are
    redeemed by the grace of God.

  4. I am because we all are
    Created by a loving God
    We stand for equality
    In solidarity
    I am because we all are,
    redeemed by the grace of God

Music: Sakari Löytty – Words: Sakari Löytty and Philip Knutson

May God’s grace and peace be with you all.

Yours in Christ,

Diana

(LUCSA Representative)