Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Can You Share This Responsive Reading for the Women of the Congo?

My colleague Katey Zeh has written this lovely responsive reading for congregations to use to pray for the women and the girls of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


A RESPONSIVE READING FOR THE WOMEN OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Spirit of Compassion, who hears the cries of all those who suffer from war, famine, and violence,

Be with the women of the Congo whose bodies, lives, and families are torn apart by sexual violence.

Spirit of Love, who sees the brutality and mutilation that have become daily realities for the Congolese women,

Bring healing to their bodies, their minds, and their spirits.

Spirit of Justice, who calls us to see, hear, and respond to the injustice and suffering caused by sexual violence,

Embolden us to speak out against those who use rape as a weapon of war.

Spirit of Oneness, who seeks to reconcile all that is broken in this world,

Unify us as we work to bring an end to violence against women and girls around the globe.

Amen.

CAN YOU SIGN UP TO USE IT IN A WORSHIP SERVICE THIS WINTER OR SPRING AND BECOME A PART OF THE CONGO SABBATH INITIATIVE?

Sign up at the Congo Sabbath section of our web site. The responsive reading is available as a reproducible bulletin insert or as a word document. We've also compiled a list of resources on the Congo for people of faith and religious leaders.

I am praying you will become involved.

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