Over the next two weeks Chelmsford Cathedral is taking part in the UN's 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign fighting against gender-based violence
Spearheaded by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign beginning on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concluding on 10th December, Human Rights Day.
During this time the Cathedral will be raising awareness of gender-based violence. In the UK, a woman is killed by a man every three days on average.
The Cathedral is taking part in the Mothers' Union new campaign, RISE UP Against Domestic Abuse. RISE UP is an acronym for Respond, Inform, Support, Empower, Unite and Pray and the campaign aims to play its part in combating domestic abuse through awareness raising, resources, and support for those affected by domestic abuse, as well as fostering a culture of empathy and empowerment within our churches and communities. Chelmsford Cathedral is proud to have achieved the RISE UP bronze award for making connections with local domestic abuse support organisations, and offering support based on their needs working with victims and survivors. The Cathedral has also committed to pray for those affected by domestic abuse, including victims, survivors, perpetrators and those who work in the field of domestic abuse.
We will mark the 16 Days of Activism on Thursday 28th November during the Cathedral Eucharist at 10.30am and on Sunday 1st December, we'll be putting purple ribbons on every 3rd chair during our morning services.
Revd Olivia Maxfield-Coote, Associate Priest at Chelmsford Cathedral, said:
"We are delighted to have been awarded a Mothers' Union bronze award for our efforts to raise awareness about Domestic Abuse. Alongside the MU RISE UP Campaign, congregation members have undertaken training to help recognise abuse. We will also be keeping the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence."
To find out more about 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, visit unwomenuk.org/16-days-activism/ and read about the RISE UP campaign on the Mothers' Union website.