{"id":48777,"date":"2022-10-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalministries.org\/?post_type=resource&p=48777"},"modified":"2022-10-19T11:40:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T16:40:52","slug":"pray-with-mexico-november-6-2022","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.globalministries.org\/resource\/pray-with-mexico-november-6-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Pray with Mexico, November 6, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Lectionary Selection:<\/strong>  2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayers for Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we look at the psalmist’s prayer (Ps. 133), we see how good and pleasant it is to be united in prayer because there, God sends his blessing and fullness of life. Paul exhorts the Christian community of Thessalonica not to be carried away by “false teachings” that seek to alarm and discourage the community. He invites us to stand firm in the faith and hope of the glorious arrival of the Lord. Meanwhile, every good deed and word must be affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We live in challenging times that make us easy prey to doubt and fear. Faced with the “bad news” that reaches us daily, there is no shortage of those who sound the trumpet of the “end of times.” That is why we need to affirm our unity as a church in constructing the Kingdom of God, praying, and working for another world to be possible. The purpose of the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians is to affirm the Christian commitment here and now, with the definitive arrival of the glorious Lord’s day as its horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United and in harmony, we want to dedicate this time of prayer, reflection, and action to remember women who have suffered and are suffering all kinds of violence. Gender violence in Mexico is terrible news that upsets and discourages us. Yet it also motivates us and commits us to our Christian faith. We cannot and do not want to normalize violence. If we wish to, we can pray and act to transform this reality of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission Stewardship Moment from Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In recent years, Mexico has experienced increasing violence against women. According to the latest census from 2016 by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 66 out of 100 women have suffered physical, psychological, or sexual assault. Of these women, only 9.45% filed a complaint with the authorities. The United Nations (UN) considers gender-based violence a “pandemic.” The UN classifies Mexico among the 20 worst countries for violence against women, making Mexico and Central America the most violent region in the world for women outside of a war zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In May, unprecedented violence against women was recorded. According to feminist groups and organizations, an average of 76 women were raped, and 11.5 women were murdered every 24 hours in May 2022. Between January and May of this year, 1,122 women were victims of intentional homicide and another 385 of femicide, adding up to 1,507 women victims of a sexist and violent system. 95% of these crimes go unpunished.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Faced with this alarming situation, many churches and social and religious organizations are working to raise awareness and promote a culture of non-violence. Many programs and initiatives seek to prevent the different manifestations of gender violence, creating spaces for protecting and restoring victims’ rights. The Theological Community of Mexico works toward gender equality and women’s human rights. In particular, the Theological Community of Mexico offers programs for study, research, and action on critical issues of gender and non-violence. The Diploma in Gender and Master’s programs in Critical Gender Studies contributes significantly to forming a new socio-ecclesial leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the framework of these initiatives, spaces and networks are being created for reflection, prayer, and action. We are aware that the situation of violence faced by women in our region will not be solved only with good intentions. As the famous Latin American song says, “no basta con rezar<\/em>” (“praying is not enough“)<\/em>.\u00a0Therefore the invitation is that we can accompany women victims of violence with our prayers and actions. We join in prayer and action that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Churches raise their prophetic voice and influence the reform and creation of laws and policies that guarantee the human rights of women and gender equality.<\/li>
  2. Churches and their organizations ensure gender equity within their spaces and structures, thus being an example of testimony to society.<\/li>
  3. Churches join efforts with organizations that work toward preventing violence and protecting the rights of women who suffer violence.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    May the God of Hagar hear and see the suffering of women who are violated. Like Hagar, may they feel seen and heard by God. May the church be one of God’s instruments to accompany them in their struggles for justice and restitution of their rights. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prayer and Mission Moment by Cindy Moraga<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mission Partners in <\/strong>Mexico<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n