No to exploitation

Today the start of the Season of Creation and Thursdays in Black were in focus at the 11^th Assembly of the WCC. There are several links between those two concerns. Usually combined in ecofeminism, which points to the fact that those (we?) who are in power – in this patriarchal world – exploits the earth in the same way as they (we?) exploit women. The earth is often referred to as Mother Earth.

The morning prayer was beautiful. Especially when representatives from the eight regions of WCC had brought water to the Assembly and came with the water in different forms of jars and poured into a bowl. I was especially moved by the women from Middle East. I know how scars the water resource is in that part of the world.

In the first plenary the moderator, Dr Agnes Aboum, interviewed to young delegates. One of them was Julia Rensberg from the Swedish part of Sápmi. She came well prepared. But she speaks in a very gentle way. Nevertheless, her message was crystal clear. Indigenous people have seen the effects of climate change for a long time. In Sápmi the rise of the temperature has already reached 3 degrees centigrade. I hope that a strong dedication will come out of this Assembly.

After the plenary I went to a place where a huge tapestry is placed. It is part of the Thursdays in Black campaign. Together with other ambassadors for Thursdays in Black I was there because a photo was planned to be taken. Hopefully we can do much more in Sweden in the coming years.

Patriarchal structures and mindset lead to exploitation of women (and other humans). I lead to exploitation of indigenous people and of Mother Earth. Let’s say no to that.

Photo by Mike DuBose/WCC

Please read about the tapestry and the stories behind the different pieces of art. They are available at the wesite of the World Council of Churches. The link is here.