The Religious Institute Congo Sabbath Initiative

The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice and Healing, a multi-faith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society, has recently started the Congo Sabbath Initiative. This creative initiative is an opportunity for congregations from many different traditions to take a stand against violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Each congregation participating in a Congo Sabbath event will designate a time between January 1st and April 30th, 2009 as "Congo Sabbath." A Congo Sabbath might involve an educational program, such as a Congo Teach-In, an adult education class or a public forum, or it might involve a worship activity like a sermon, prayer, or responsive reading. Each congregation will determine how it will participate in Congo Sabbath.

To date, more than forty-five national religious leaders have joined the Religious Institute in calling congregations to participate in the Congo Sabbath initiative:

"As faith leaders we are called today to see, hear, and respond to the suffering caused by violence against women. We encourage faith communities to participate in the Congo Sabbath initiative."

For more information and to sign up, please visit http://www.religiousinstitute.org/CongoEndorsers.html

For ideas on what you can do at your Congo Sabbath please visit http://newsite.vday.org/drcongo/getinvolved