Thought For The Week 23 November

PCANZ White Ribbon Sunday – any Sunday 23 November to 14 December 2025

 BREAKING THE SILENCE: A Call to Action This Advent

What is PCANZ White Ribbon?

Rev Hana Popea is the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand White Ribbon NZ Ambassador. Hana offers support – including visits to presbyteries, parishes and Presbyterian events – to discuss and share what our parishes and Church can do to help prevent family violence in our communities.

White Ribbon NZ

Every year on 25 November, communities worldwide pause to remember victims of violence and commit to creating safer homes and communities.

 This year, we invite our national Church to observe White Ribbon Sunday on any Sunday between 23 November and 14 December.

Why This Matters to Us as a Church

Violence happens in silence. It happens behind closed doors. Sometimes it happens in places we consider safe – our homes, our communities, even our churches.

This Advent season, we’re choosing to break that silence.

As followers of Christ, we believe:

• Every space should be sacred– Our homes, churches, schools, and communities should be sanctuaries of safety
• Every life is sacred– Each person bears God’s image and deserves dignity and  respect

Silence enables violence – We must move from witnessing to acting

Our 2025 Theme: Sacred Spaces, Sacred Lives

The Christmas story reminds us that God entered our world as a vulnerable child, born to a young woman who needed protection and respect. This season of hope calls us to ensure that every person – women, men, children, and elders can live free from fear and abuse.