Interview
Why do you think we need Thursdays in Black?
Archbishop Aykazian: Women and children are persecuted or they are marginalized, and we know around the world, there are many countries who have ignored women and children completely. As churches, it’s our moral responsibility to defend every single woman and child in the world.
What responsibility do you think the World Council of Churches has?
Archbishop Aykazian: As members of the World Council of Churches, we should go a little bit further, to hold responsibility for everyone who needs our defense.
I think that Thursdays in Black is very important because the World Council of Churches is based in 120 different countries—and also in Geneva—so when we send the message we make people know that this is something very important to Christians.
What is your vision for strengthening the Thursdays in Black campaign?
Archbishop Aykazian: There are other countries who have the same approach in different ways. I would like everybody to follow the lead of the WCC to bring justice to women and children. We are all equal. We are all created in the image of God. We invite everybody to do it, not only by speaking—but by acting.
What is your own commitment as a Thursdays in Black ambassador?
Archbishop Aykazian: As a Thursdays in Black ambassador, I hope I can make a difference. But no man is an island. We should work together. I have been traveling all around the world. I take this message with me, and I try to convince every single person wherever I go to respect the rights of women and children. We all have mothers, sisters, wives, cousins. and we love them—and we love and respect every single woman and every single child. I invite everybody to do, to act, without talking too much. Just go on—do, and we can do it together. Please join me. Please join the World Council of Churches as we try to change the practices.
Lern more about Thursdays in Black - A global movement for a world without rape and violence
