‘Break the Silence’ toolkit offers resources to combat gender-based violence
[Episcopal News Service] A 2025 version of a toolkit to help people “Break the Silence” around gender-based violence has been released by the Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
Its aim is to help congregations in the diocese, as well as churches and dioceses elsewhere, mark the annual Break the Silence Sunday, which was designated by General Convention in 2022 as Nov. 25 or the closest subsequent Sunday. This year it will be observed on Nov. 30, which also is the first Sunday of Advent.
“Our Gospel commitment calls us to stand with those who have suffered violence and to ensure that it has no place in our homes, churches and communities,” Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said in a letter that is part of the toolkit. “Gender-based violence is a particular epidemic, and each of us has a responsibility to become educated on its prevalence – and to play a role in healing its harms and disrupting its generational cycles.”
Rowe was among the bishops who supported the General Convention resolution designating this observance.
The kit includes a variety of worship resources, including items to assist those who will be peaching that day, as well as a liturgy for a “Eucharist of Healing, Hope and Liberation” and additional collects.
A letter from New York Bishop Matthew Heyd said Break the Silence Sunday provides “holy space to confront the pain caused by gender-based violence.” He noted that as followers of Jesus, “we are called to lift the veil of silence, to listen deeply, to stand beside survivors in compassion, and to act with courage in our churches and communities.”
He added, “healing begins when we listen; transformation begins when we act.”
Rowe said he hopes people across The Episcopal Church will use the educational and liturgical resources in the toolkit “and encourage those in your circles to do the same.”
