In support of White Ribbon UK, a charity which aims to end male violence against women, a number of locations in the North East will be hosting ‘White Ribbon Sunday’ services this November honouring and remembering all victims of domestic abuse.
The locations hosting events include St Andrew’s Church in Newcastle City Centre and Hexham Abbey. White Ribbon Sunday is on 21 November although churches and cathedrals across the country are hosting services throughout the month.
Hexham Abbey – 7 November 2021, 10am
To mark White Ribbon Sunday, a service of Holy Communion to remember the victims of domestic homicide, and honour all victims of domestic abuse, will take place at Hexham Abbey.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell will be attending the service as a guest speaker, Viv Frost from White Ribbon UK will read the Gospel, and female survivors will speak during the service. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session which will further explore the issues raised.
The Archbishop of York said: “I’m grateful to be able to take part in this service to mark White Ribbon Sunday. Domestic abuse is so often hidden and misunderstood.
“It’s important to have the opportunity to pray, reflect and remember all who have died as a result of this and all those who suffer today in violent and abusive relationships. Together we can stand up and be counted, refuse to excuse, condone or remain silent about domestic abuse.”
Assistant Curate at Hexham Abbey, the Revd Elaine Ryder said: “We hope that this service and the question and answer session which follows it will raise awareness of the important work being done nationwide to change the cultures that lead to violence both inside and outside the home.
“Survivors will speak during the service, which will be followed by a question and answer session organised by White Ribbon UK, a charity which engages communities nationwide in its mission to end violence on our streets and in the nation’s homes.
“We very much look forward to welcoming people of all faiths and none to the service and the Q&A session, and helping to raise awareness of how we can all play our part in challenging the attitudes and narratives which lead to violence.”
The event is in collaboration with the AAFDA (who advocate for the families of domestic abuse victims) and Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services.
To learn more about the event, please contact connect@whiteribbonsunday.org
St Andrew’s Church (Newgate Street, NE1 5SS) – 21 November 2021, 11am
To mark White Ribbon Sunday, a service of Holy Communion to remember the victims of domestic homicide, and honour all victims of domestic abuse, will take place at St Andrew’s Church in Newcastle.
The Bishop of Berwick, the Right Reverend Mark Wroe will be attending the service as a guest speaker, alongside Newcastle City Councillor Jacqui Robinson.
Bishop Mark said: “As those who witness to God’s love, it’s so important for us to support White Ribbon Sunday and insist that domestic abuse has no place in our society. Everyone has the right to feel safe from harm and no-one should feel at risk in their own home.
“On this day, we will remember those who have lost their lives to domestic abuse, those who have survived it, and those who feel trapped and unable to escape it. We will pray for a North East where anyone who finds themselves in a violent and abusive relationship has the courage to seek help.”
Councillor Jacqui Robinson said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to support White Ribbon Sunday as a survivor of domestic violence.
“There are still too many lives being lost. Men and boys need to speak up and speak out to stop all violence against women and girls.”
The event is in collaboration with The Angelou Centre.
To learn more about the event, please contact connect@whiteribbonsunday.org
Rosemary New, founding member of CADA North East, said: “I am thrilled and energised by this year’s White Ribbon Sunday services in the Diocese of Newcastle. A loud, clear message is being given to society as a whole that the Church is actively involved in the issue of violence against women.
“Alongside this, CADA North East is working to educate Christians in general and church leaders in particular about the widespread occurrence of violence against women. As one woman in three globally experiences violence because she is a woman, CADA North East have partnered with Mothers’ Union in the protest calling for No More 1 in 3.”
There are also events happening in the Durham Diocese, including Durham Cathedral and Sunderland Minster. You can learn more here.