Together We Stand

[ 64 ] largest civil society networks in the world. The church has strong subgroups and connections which can be used to raise aware- ness of risks and coordinate with others to reduce their impact. It has the ability to address root causes — from being a vehicle to introduce climate-sensitive agricultural practices, through to changing behaviour by addressing trauma and speaking out against sexual and gender-based violence. In many contexts, the church also sees its role as broker and advocate, bringing recon- ciliation and peacemaking by helping people to address issues of resentment, forgiveness, exclusion and alienation. Tearfund has many tools to support the development of the local church. One which has had significant impact is ‘Disasters and the Local Church: Guidelines for Church Leaders in Disaster Prone Areas’. Its purpose is to increase understanding of disasters in an accessible and visual way, giving guidance on the practical actions a church and commu- nity can take in preparation and response for when a disaster strikes. It covers topics such as how to set up disaster commit- tees and volunteer teams; how to conduct needs, risk and capacity assessments; and more specialized information on preparing for and responding to different types of hazards. Working through the local church is not without its challenges or constraints, but Tearfund remains committed to operating through this global movement because of the unique opportuni- ties it offers. The established relationships held by the church at national and international level, as well as its knowledge of the community context at a local level, means it occupies a rare posi- tion of influence and trust, and yet so often the very people who hold these opportunities are not utilized to full effect by policy and decision makers. Equally, Tearfund is aware that the local church, like many organizations, often must face its own preju- dices and stigmas so it can become even more effective. By using theology and the language of faith, Tearfund is able to speak about issues of gender, and break down subconscious ethnic and social boundaries which may inadvertently have promoted increased vulnerability and social biases. In the research report ‘Missed Opportunities’, 1 it is clear that appropriateness, effectiveness, connectedness and coverage could be increased if international organizations and govern- ments worked more effectively with local partners in response (see text boxes). For Tearfund this includes the local church. Building the awareness and empowering the strength of faith leaders and church communities to ‘own’ their humanitarian response will continue to be a driving agenda for Tearfund, and part of its commitment to the Agenda for Humanity. With thanks to all contributions from Tearfund staff and partners. The appropriateness of church response Tearfund has worked with the Anglican Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2014, to engage faith groups in tackling sexual violence within their communities. Funded by the UK Government’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, the project has mobilized and equipped 125 leaders from different denominations and faith groups across 25 conflict-affected communities to use their influence to break the silence against sexual violence. These leaders become key catalysts for transforming harmful gender and social norms which are the root causes of violence and are often condoned by faith teaching, so it is essential they are addressed from a faith perspective. Pastor Lotsima Djo Djo, from Bunia, commented on the project’s impact: “Talking about sexual violence used to be a taboo, but we are now talking about it in the church … There has also been a lot of changes in our home. I used to neglect my wife but now we are working together to support other couples.” Community Action Groups (CAGs) are set up in each community to provide psychosocial support, income-generating activities for vulnerable women and help for survivors to access services, ensuring a sustainable referral pathway at the heart of the community. A community-based approach is particularly vital when operating in fragile contexts with ongoing conflict. Trained champions provided immediate response when some remote communities were attacked by armed militia in October 2015, supporting several women and children who were raped, to access timely medical treatment. A survivor from South Kivu Province, said: “The Community Action Group here is new, and has helped me with some training. The teaching on ‘Healing of Memories’ has helped to heal us survivors and deal with our emotions.” Baroness Anelay and David Gressly visit a PSVI project beneficiary in her home at Bweremana, North Kivu Disasters and the Local Church includes guidance on how church and community can prepare for and respond to disasters Source: Tearfund Image: Abel Kavanagh/MONUSCO T ogether W e S tand