Gender Ministry
Useful Resources For Clergy, Lay Readers And Congregations At This Time
from Canon (Gender), Daniela Gennrich, and Archdeacon Forbes Maupa
Main patterns
Main patterns emerging during Lockdown so far:
- Many men may feel helpless and inadequate and fear not being able to protect or provide for their families – even more so given the collapsing economy and a rampant disease. Men and boys are not used to staying at home, and those with addictions have struggled with withdrawals, mood swings and violent outbursts.
- Women and girls are often expected to do all the household chores, to care for the sick and be teacher and mom and wife. They are cut off from their usual support of friends and church, and they may be more susceptible to depression;
- The 5-week lockdown has shown that families are fragile and relationships under pressure can quickly become toxic and violent, especially where there is fear, and/or people experience poverty and hunger, financial insecurities and/or addiction.
- School closure makes girls and teens even more vulnerable to sexual violence and unwanted pregnancy.
- Reporting of GBV has become impossible for many victims of domestic violence because of poverty and because of fear that it will get worse if their abuser finds out they are seeking help.
Many Obstacles
While clergy and lay ministers are expected to minister into this situation, they also face many obstacles:
- Ordained and lay leaders are just as human as anyone, and so may be experiencing similar anxieties;
- The usual ways to do ministry are no longer possible, and reaching out telephonically or virtually can seem inadequate, particularly during times of family crises;
- Some clergy may already have been exhausted and over-worked before this crisis, and may have little energy to try to make sense of the times, while being expected to offer spiritual and pastoral guidance as their members are struggling with their faith.
Any clergy or lay person needing advice on how to handle a violent or conflicted family situation can call on Canon Gender (Daniela Gennrich, 084581062 or 0724537502, danielagennrich8@gmail.com) or Archdeacon Forbes Maupa (0834040397, rector@stjohnbaptist.co.za). Alternaively you can report your concern to the Diocesan COVID-19 Task Team, that has been set up by the Vicar-General.
Gender Based Violence Response
Helplines
Here are some national helplines during lockdown:
Skype Line "Helpme GBV"
For members of the deaf community
Add "Helpme GBV" to your Skype contacts
GBVCC
An SMS Based Line 31531 for persons with disabilities
SMS "help" to 31531
