Open letter in support of the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Latvia
As the national coordinators of the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women* in the United Kingdom, we write in support of our sisters in Latvia who are seeking to ratify the Istanbul Convention. We believe that the undeniable message of the gospel is to demand justice for the marginalized, for those who face violence and oppression, and this is fully expressed in the Convention. In His ministry on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ fully respected and supported women and challenged accepted gender roles. We stand alongside all those who seek to do the same today. In Europe 33% of women have suffered psychological, physical or sexual violence. It is the duty of all, including the churches, to challenge and change this. Ratifying the Istanbul Convention will mean a lasting national commitment to combating violence against women and increasing women’s safety. It is a pragmatic law that is not only written on paper, but also promotes real action. Ratifying the Istanbul Convention will mean that women and girls will have the right to live a life free from violence and free from the fear of violence. We are convinced that the gospel messages of justice and peace are found in these aims of the Istanbul Convention, and we call on all Christians to support its ratification. Signed on behalf of the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women in the United Kingdom: Fiona Buchanan, Church of Scotland Anthea Sully, Methodist and Free Churches Dorothy Knights, Church of England Sr Brigid Collins, The Catholic Church in England and Wales March 2018 (letter translated into Latvian by Ursula Glienecke)
Open letter to support the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Latvia
As the National Coordinators of the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women in the UK, we are writing in support of our sisters in Latvia who seek the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. We believe the compelling message of the gospel is to demand justice for the marginalised who face violence and oppression, and this is fully expressed in the intentions of the Convention. In his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ fully respected and gave support to women and challenged expected gender roles. We stand alongside all those who seek to do the same today. In Europe 33% of women have suffered psychological, physical or sexual violence. Challenging and changing this has got to be the responsibility of all, including the churches. Ratifying the Istanbul Convention will mean a lasting national commitment to tackling violence against women and increasing women’s safety. It is a pragmatic law that does not just sit on paper, but translates into real actions. Ratification of the Istanbul Convention will mean that women and girls will have the right to live lives free from violence and the fear of violence. We believe strongly that the gospel messages of justice and peace are inherent in these aims of the Istanbul Convention and we call on all Christians to support its ratification. Signed on behalf of the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women in the UK: Fiona Buchanan, Church of Scotland Anthea Sully, Methodist and the Free Churches Dorothy Knights, Church of England Sr Brigid Collins, The Catholic Church in England and Wales March 2018
Source: ELCAL in Latvia
* The Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women is an international, congregation-linked organization that is active in more than 30 European countries. The Forum is a network of women from various Christian traditions.