Diocesan News
Derry vigil against gender violence
The perpetrators of gender abuse were among those prayed for at a vigil in St Columb’s Cathedral on Saturday which was organised by members of the Mothers’ Union in Derry and Raphoe.
The two–hour vigil was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. It was one of around a dozen such events held in Church of Ireland churches throughout Ireland to demand an end to violence against women and girls.
Five female clergy from Derry and Raphoe were among those who took part in the vigil in Londonderry. It was organised by Mothers’ Union’s local Faith and Policy Coordinator, Jacqui Armstrong, and overseen by the Diocesan President, Mary Good.
Welcome teams were on hand to present purple and yellow ribbons to people arriving in the Cathedral. Prayer stations were set up at various points throughout the church.
Those present were asked to pray for victims of gender violence at home and abroad; for those in positions of authority who were working to end it; and for the perpetrators who were responsible for doing it.
Prayers were said, too, for Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister, Claire Sugden – who is campaigning for gender justice – and for members of the PSNI and the Garda Siochana who are fighting against people trafficking.
Canon George Irwin of Christian Aid talked about the work his organisation was doing with partners in Egypt, South Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kenya to try and end gender violence. Tim Houston of Christian Action Research & Education (CARE) talked about the extent of gender abuse in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
A presentation of goods was made to representatives of Letterkenny Women’s Refuge and Foyle Women’s Aid.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
[email protected]