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The second Sunday of Advent focuses on peace. With this in mind, perhaps it is mindful of us to reflect on Monday, December 6, which marks The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. As The Government of Canada website shares:

It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

On December 6, we remember:

Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) and gender diverse individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination. Gender-based violence in Canada has been magnified and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been reports from police services, shelters, and local organization of an increase in calls related to gender-based violence across Canada during the pandemic.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Add your voice to the conversation between November 25 and December 10 and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence using the hashtag #16Days.

So many women around the world suffer violent acts, and we are particularly mindful of what is happening for women in Afghanistan at this time. And so this Advent prayer by the Rev. Won Hu is most relevant.

God of Peace,
It is so hard to find peace,
in our hearts, in our communities, and in our world.
We ache for it.
We know this is not how you would want us to be.
May your will be done. May your peace prevail.
May our longing for peace lead us on a new journey
to your sacred peace.
Amen.

As we all wish for peace - for the world, and within our hearts -  may this video bring some gentle comfort.

Karen Murray-Hopf

Communications & Media Chair