Church calls for end to violence against women, girls

THE Seventh-day Adventist church has called for an end to violence against women and girls.
Church leader Pastor Kepsie Elodo made the call following media reports highlighting violence against women and children, especially girls.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church joins others (in the call) to end violence against women and girls,” Elodo said.
Elodo said statistics showed that in societies around the world, women and girls were frequently the victims of violence.
“Actions or threats likely result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering are incompatible with biblical ethics and Christian morality,” Elodo said.
“Such actions include, but are limited to, family violence, rape, female genital mutilation, honour killings and dowry murders, manipulation, denial of personal liberty, and coercion. (They) are also acts of abuse and violence.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church says: Let’s end it now.”
Elodo said the church recognised that creation in God’s image bestowed dignity and worth on every individual.
“The measure of that worth is seen in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ to provide eternal life for everyone. The love and compassion that characterised the earthly life of Jesus sets an example for all His followers in their relationship with others. Christ-like behaviour leaves no room for violence against family members or persons outside the family.
“The Bible counsels Christians to view the body as the temple of God.
“Bringing intentional harm to another person desecrates that which God honours and is therefore sinful behaviour.”