The enditnow initiative is a global drive to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence around the world. It was launched in October 2009 in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the General Conference Women's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Explaining its scope, the following statement gives further insight:
"enditnow is the most important stand the Seventh-day Adventist Church has ever taken regarding violence against men, women and children. Through this campaign, more than 15 million Adventist church members –men, women, and children – are expected to create a global movement that will be mobilised within their own communities, where each person will actively work to create awareness and share solutions on ways to end this global problem."*1
Each year a different focus is made on varying aspects of abuse, its impact and solutions. 'Abuse of Power', was the theme for August 27 2022 enditnow Emphasis Day.*2
Reflecting on the efficacy of the enditnow initiative since its inception, and in particular, this year's focus, I was encouraged by the response to the materials produced for Abuse of Power.
One pastor, having received the enditnow materials on Sabbath morning 27 August, decided to change his sermon for that day, to reflect the enditnow material he had just received. That's how seriously he took this year's focus.
Speaking in a brief interview with Dr Jude Jeanville – Ministerial Coordinator for Area 6D, London and pastor of the Tottenham Lighthouse and Barnet churches, he shared his participation reflections on abuse.
SPM – What is one key concern regarding the impact of the abuse of power?
JJ – Abuse of power overrides the best interest of others and focuses on self-interest or personal gain at the expense of others. Abuse in any form is a violation of the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It violates our obligation to be "My brother's keeper."
SPM – What lessons can we learn from this year's enditnow focus?
JJ – Christians are in an advantageous position to avoid the abuse of power because of the theological framework and understanding to which they subscribe. The author of the reading aptly described the Genesis of the abuse of power, which started in heaven when Lucifer attempted to usurp himself above God. Pride, covetousness, hurt or a perceived deficit are roots of abuse, which in turn become a justification for violating or infringing on the rights of others.
Sadly, abuse of power is seen in the home and in the church. Abuse whether spiritual, financial, parental, spousal, child, or gender-based etc. stems in the main from a theology of inequality – a misunderstanding of the nature of males and females and their God-given roles. Consequently, the image of God, which is characterised by unity, oneness and equality, is not manifested in human relationships. Therefore, in their thinking, many form relationships with an inherent notion of inequality, which breeds disharmony and disunity.
SPM – From the excerpts that you have read on enditnow, what do you see as an important message for our church?
JJ – From what I have read, we have a solid base for being serious and intentional to "End it now" regarding abuse. The abuse of women and children will not end if we do not BEGIN to name the sin of inequality which has its roots in a demeaning theology of women.
How can the church conscientiously say "End it now" and say no to violence when we perpetuate patriarchal and misogynistic policies?...We have to do more than talk about it, the church must name the sin of discrimination against women and stand on Scripture.
SPM – There are several action points on the enditnow website that gives insight into how to change the culture of abuse. Is there one that stands out for you?
JJ – I was particularly impressed with the action point which states:
"Examine church policies and practices to be sure none foster or encourage hurtful or discriminatory attitudes towards women, children, or men."
This challenges our theology of women and the practice of a 2-level playing field for issues such as ordination...
SPM – You have undertaken extensive research into historical and current perspectives on issues pertaining to women and the church. Please give our readers an insight about your upcoming publication captioned –'Justice for Women'.
JJ – My book refutes the arguments the church uses to substantiate a less than equal place for women and calls on the church, to apologise for not giving women equal participation and opportunity: to avoid the reputation of misogyny. After all, Joel 2:28 expressly declares, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." Ellen G White said, "There are women who should labour in the gospel ministry. In many respects they would do more good than the ministers who neglect to visit the flock of God." Manuscript Releases 5:325, 326. Women who do such labour, especially full time, were to be paid fairly for their work from the tithe. "The tithe should go to those who labour in word and doctrine, be they men or women." She added, "Seventh-day Adventists are not in any way to belittle woman's work." Ibid. 492.
I call upon the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be consistent and inclusive; women's gifts should equally make room for them as their male counterparts. The church does not have a theological base to limit women. Church policies should be in harmony with Scripture and not culture.
A call to action
There are many ways in which our membership can get involved with raising awareness, creating safe nurturing environments, and offering support to those who have experienced abuse. An enditnow article submitted to Adventist News Network captioned 'Because We Care',*3 provides the following tips as a starting point:
Visit www.enditnow.org; there, you will learn not only about the depth of the problem but how you can help get your own local church members involved. Present sermons and workshops to the congregation on issues of gender-based violence relevant to your community. Offer to present age-appropriate information in local schools. Examine church policies and practices to be sure none foster or encourage hurtful or discriminatory attitudes towards women, children, or men. Provide ongoing support to a local women's shelter or other organisations benefiting victims of gender-based violence. Care for hurting people in our church. Be non-judgmental. Develop support groups. Help raise awareness. Share materials about gender-based violence with your community.
Additional information can be found by accessing the following:
About Us - enditnow Helpful Websites and Files - enditnow News - enditnow Videos - enditnow
Please continue to pray for our Church's response to this key issue, as we strive to reflect God's love to all in our sphere of influence.
*2 Adventist Women's Ministries | enditnow Emphasis Day
*3 enditnow® Initiative—Because We Care | Adventist News Network
(Photo Credits: Barnet church taking enditnow to the streets supported by their pastor - Dr Jude Jeanville)