Thursdays in Black

Note: Adapted from The World Council of Church's webpage

In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence. We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, are safe from rape and violence in homes, schools, work, streets – in all places in our societies.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) established the "Thursdays in Black" campaign in the late 1980's as a peaceful protest to challenge attitudes that cause rape and violence.

This General Conference, we encourage you to wear black for the GCSRW-advocated Thursdays in Black service, which will take place during morning worship at 8:00 AM (EDT) on April 25th, 2024. We will be handing all delegates these stickers to wear in solidarity.  

The campaign was inspired by:

• The Mothers of the Disappeared in Buenos Aires, Argentina who on Thursdays protested at the Plaza de Mayo, against the disappearance of their children during the violent dictatorship.
• The Women in Black in Israel and Palestine, who up to now protest against war and violence.
• Women in Rwanda and Bosnia who were protesting against the use of rape as a weapon of war during the genocide.
• Black Sash movement in South Africa protesting against apartheid and its use of violence against black people.

These stories raised awareness on rape as a weapon of war, gender injustice, abuse, violence, and many tragedies that grow outward from such violence became all the more visible. But what also became visible was women’s resilience, agency and personal efforts to resist such violations. 

As a member of the World Council of Churches, and part of the body of Christ universal, The United Methodist Church is urged to participate in this campaign. The Book of Disciple states the following:

We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. Our respect for the inherent dignity of all persons leads us to call for the recognition, protection, and implementation of the principles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights so that communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their universal, indivisible, and inalienable rights. (¶162. The Social Community)

We affirm the right of women to live free from violence and abuse and urge governments to enact policies that protect women against all forms of violence and discrimination in any sector of society. (¶162, F. Rights of Women)

The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence. Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.

In this campaign Black is used as a color of resistance and resilience.

View resources:

• Thursdays in Black Toolkit for Congregations
• Promotional material (flyers, posters, images, etc)
• Devotion 1, Devotion 2