Recognition for efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon in war and armed conflict
(Lutheran World Information) – The LWF has congratulated Dr Denis Mukwege, who, together with human rights activist Nadia Murad, has received the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter addressed to Dr Mukwege, LWF President Panti Filibus Musa and LWF General Secretary Martin Junge congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.
The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Dr Mukwege and Nadia Murad “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon in war and armed conflict”. Through their work and their testimony about sexual violence, they have “helped to make wartime sexual violence visible, which will make it possible to hold the perpetrators accountable”, writes the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Keynote speaker of the Twelfth Assembly
Dr Mukwege was the keynote speaker at the 12th LWF Assembly, which took place in Windhoek, Namibia. Speaking on the theme “Liberated by God’s Grace”, which he linked to his work against gender-based violence, he said to Lutherans from all over the world:
“Lutheran theology, especially when speaking of the place of woman in society, is a message of hope to all women in the world who suffer from violence – moral, physical or sexual.
Our task – as the heirs of Martin Luther – is to drive out with the Word of God all the demons of machismo that have possessed the world, so that women who are the victims of men’s inhumanity may experience the kingdom of God in their lives.”
Our task – as the heirs of Martin Luther – is to drive out with the Word of God all the demons of machismo that have possessed the world, so that women who are the victims of men’s inhumanity may experience the kingdom of God in their lives, – Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege.
In his work, Dr Mukwege has provided leadership to Africa and the world – standing up for human dignity and rights, especially for women who have survived sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. He told the Assembly that the women with whom he has worked were heroic and inspiring, and called on the churches to stand “on the side of weak, wounded, refugee and discriminated women. If we belong to Christ, we must speak out, we must condemn evil”.
“A great encouragement”
In the letter addressed to Dr Mukwege, the LWF President, Archbishop Dr Panti Filibus Musa, and the LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Martin Junge, congratulated him on the award and thanked him for the work he has done to put an end to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
“We congratulate you from the heart on this truly well-deserved recognition.”
In gratitude for his participation and his address at the 12th LWF Assembly, they write that his words were “a great encouragement to continue working towards a reality in which men and women can flourish, living in just relationships that strive to overcome violence”, and they express their hopes for further cooperation on the way towards this goal.
Oslo, Norway/Geneva
5./10./2018.
Source: Lutheran World Federation news
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