Episcopal Church Unveils Toolkit to Combat Gender-Based Violence on Break the Silence Sunday

A new toolkit has been released to support Break the Silence Sunday, an initiative addressing gender-based violence. The resources come from the Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. This year, the event falls on 30 November, the first Sunday of Advent. The toolkit provides worship materials, including a liturgy for a 'Eucharist of Healing, Hope and Liberation' and additional collects. It aims to help congregations mark the annual day, designated by General Convention in 2022 as 25 November or the nearest following Sunday.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe has endorsed the toolkit in a letter. He urges people to oppose gender-based violence and learn about its prevalence. He also hopes Episcopalians across the church will use the educational and liturgical resources provided.

Bishop Matthew Heyd, in his own letter, describes the day as a 'holy space to confront the pain caused by gender-based violence'. He encourages listeners to support survivors and act with courage. The toolkit offers practical ways for churches to observe Break the Silence Sunday. It combines liturgical and educational elements to address the issue. The event will take place on 30 November this year.