The Flight Of A Dove

RISE UP is an international campaign against Gender-Based Violence. The 2023 campaign is supported by the Mothers' Union, which will join in 16 Days of Activism. More about that later in this article.

Yesterday (14th October) I found myself one of only 2 men in a room full of, I estimate, about 80 women. "Women" perhaps is doing them a disservice. I should probably say Ladies. Every one of them that I know, I wouldn't describe otherwise. The MU is the only organisation I have been a part of to which I don't just belong, as a member, but feel a sense of belonging.

Anyway back to RISE UP, which is not just a name. It is also an acronym:

Respond Inform Support Empower

Unite Pray

The symbol of the campaign is an origami dove, in the preferred colours purple and white. I was in that room full of Ladies, the Bristol MU Autumn Gathering, because I had been offered the privilege to demonstrate how to fold a dove. Not because I am an expert at origami, but the Bristol MU president happened to spot a picture I posted on social media of a couple of doves that I folded from the instructions from the MU's UK website.

By the date I was to demonstrate making the dove I had quite a lot ready made, by practicing to ensure that whilst showing the ladies what to do, I could make a dove without referring to instructions.

Whilst the RISE UP campaign, of which the dove is the symbol, is intended to keep awareness of domestic violence in the public eye 365 days a year, it is particularly relevant as we prepare for the 16 Days of Activism campaign during November and December. In 2023 the campaign will start on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It will run until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The campaign against gender based violence was started by members of the Women's Global Leadership institute in 1991 and is supported by the United Nations (UN).

RISE UP

Against Domestic Abuse

16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Abuse starts this month. 25th November is the international Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 days AND the GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION against Domestic Abuse.

Domestic Abuse takes many forms, it can be subtle and is nearly always hidden from view. Mothers’ Union believes that it should not remain hidden and that we speak up and

campaign against this, so that all can live in peace, in harmony with one another and in safety. This year Mothers’ Union have launched a new campaign: RISE UP against Domestic Abuse. It has the backing and support of The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell who was present at the launch. Churches are being encouraged to participate to work towards a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award in this area, by regularly praying for victims, survivors and perpetrators, for putting up help posters in all buildings, toilets etc and by supporting local

places of refuge and support. Watch out for purple and white doves, purple ribbons, and

posters. Visit the central Mothers’ Union website to find out more and download resources-

anyone can get involved! Click to visit the Mothers' Union Domestic Abuse Campaign. Watch out for more info!

A Prayer for RISE UP

God of justice, peace and compassion, Heavenly Father, Creator, and sustainer of all.

We thank you that you gave yourself, your own Son, to give every person the opportunity to

turn from darkness to the light of your presence and love.

We know that those who endure cruelty and abuse are precious in your sight, that no tear

falls without your knowledge and love, and we ask that they would know your presence,

strength, comfort and wisdom-even in their fear, confusion and pain.

We commit ourselves to RISE UP against domestic abuse in all its forms. We pray for your

compassion as we seek to RESPOND, for your wisdom as we seek to be better INFORMED,

for your gentleness as we try to SUPPORT, for your strength as we hope to EMPOWER, and

the mark of your Holy Spirit that UNITES us together to work and PRAY unceasingly, until

situations change, and freedom, life and love are restored to all. In your dear and powerful

name, we cry out to you. Amen

Prisons

Mothers’ Union cares for families in many different circumstances. Families who find

themselves with a family member or friend in prison can suffer being ostracised by

association. Visiting a friend or family member in prison can be daunting.

Supported by the Prison Chaplain, Mothers’ Union in the Bristol Diocese are involved in a

project to welcome visitors to HMP Ashfield on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We offer a

friendly face, a coffee, tea and biscuits and the opportunity to chat if required. Many visitors

have travelled long distances and are very grateful for our welcome.

In addition to welcoming , specially designed and made Easter cards and Christmas cards are

delivered to all prisoners at Ashfield, and a number of blank cards for prisoners to send out

are also included.

October 8 th -14 th is Prisons Week and we are asked to pray for Prison Chaplains, Educators in

prisons, family members of prisoners, and those who work in prisons and we ask for God’s

blessing on all Mothers’ Union prison initiatives, especially here at Ashfield. We pray for

men and women in prison and those in young offenders institutions. Help us to remember,

Loving Lord, that they are all your children and pray that they may be given opportunities

for rehabilitation and assistance to rebuild their lives.

Deuteronomy 31:8 ‘The Lord…will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not

be discouraged.’ May these words encourage all people who have faith and are in prison,

and may they have access to the word of God. Amen

Jacky Fredrickson MU Diocesan President Bristol