A Call to Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Faith Communities
By Daniela Gennrich
As people of faith and partners of the Faith Action Collective to End GBV and We Will Speak Out South Africa, we stand firm in declaring: “No, not in our name.”
There should be no ambiguity—”acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent is detestable to God” (Proverbs 17:15). The recent judgment that has led to the acquittal of the accused in the Omotoso case has deeply wounded and angered countless survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), retraumatizing them and shaking their faith in the God of justice. This decision, a result of a flawed prosecution despite convincing evidence by multiple survivors, has highlighted the gaps in our legal system, the lack of accountability systems in our faith institutions and the urgent need for reform.
The Moral Responsibility of Faith Communities.
As people of faith, we have a duty to expose spiritual abuse, a core concept in the Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategylaunched in October last yearby the Faith Action Collective and WWSOSA last year. It is the insidious manipulation of religious beliefs to silence survivors, invisibilise their suffering and, at times, justify misconduct. There is no justification in any sacred text or faith tradition for sexual abuse or any form of GBV.
This judgment may embolden unethical religious leaders who exploit their positions, believing divine favour shields them from accountability. The dramatic display in the courtroom, where the accused fell to their knees in prayer and proclaimed victory in God’s name, should serve as a warning. To the congregants who rushed to celebrate, worship, and sing psalms, we urge caution—your leaders may be “prowling around like wolves in sheep’s clothing” (John 5:7).
Breaking the Silence: A Message to Survivors
To survivors of abuse within places of worship: speaking the truth is not ungodly or blasphemous. Your courage in exposing the abuse of power protects others. We stand with you as allies, in solidarity and unwavering support.
While many religious institutions uphold norms that favour the powerful and reinforce untouchable hierarchies, this contradicts the very core of our sacred texts. Faith calls us to stand against injustice and abuse, even (or especially) when it originates within religious spaces. (“Learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor” Isaiah 1:17.) Jesus was most hated by religious leaders because of his unwavering defence of women, the poor, foreigners, and children. His fearless stand against hypocrisy amongst religious leadership led to his execution, abandoned by his followers.
The Call for Institutional Accountability
As citizens of South Africa, over 80% of whom are members of faith communities (whether leaders or members), we must engage in deep introspection. Are our institutions truly safe? Do we have effective accountability and safeguarding mechanisms in place? Have we made it unequivocally clear that GBV in any form will not be tolerated within our places of worship?
The best measure of safety is to listen to those most vulnerable to abuse, to sit with the discomfort that truth brings, and to take concrete steps towards transformation—starting with ourselves, then our institutions.
A Collective Effort Towards Change
Then, and only then, can faith communities regain credibility as vital stakeholders in the fight against GBV and femicide. This is not just a moral obligation; it aligns with the objectives of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide and is essential for the healing of our nation.
The Faith Action Collective to End GBV and We Will Speak Out South Africa, together with our core partners, extend an open invitation to all faith leaders who seek to be part of this journey. We affirm those who have begun this process and are grateful to learn from them. We offer safe and courageous spaces of dialogue, support, resources, and capacity-building opportunities for those committed to change.
Now is the time for faith communities to reclaim their rightful role in society and stand up for justice. We cannot remain silent. We will not be complicit. Not in our name. Never in our name.
Contact Daniela Gennrich, on behalf of We Will Speak Out South Africa and the Faith Action Collective to End GBV. coordinator@wwsosa.org.za www.wwsosa.org.za interfaithendgbv.org.za
