“Battered women are not figures, but real lives”

Christians in Madrid gathered in the central city square 'Puerta del Sol' on Saturday 19 November, to condemn any form of violence against women under the motto: “Battered women are not figures, but real lives”.

About 300 people joined the quiet demonstration. It had been organised by the Union of Evangelical Women (UDME, in Spanish) and supported by the Evangelical Council of Madrid and 7 other evangelical entities and denominations. 

JESUS AS THE EXAMPLE

Asun Quintana, Councelor of the CEM, opened the event and was joined by José Pablo Sánchez, Director of the Christian programme on the national television, Buenas Noticias (Good News).

In their short messages, both said that the lack of equality in Spain's society is the root of the violence against women.

The Bible puts men and women on the same level when it comes to rights, capacities, dignity and liberties, they emphasised. 

Specifically, the pointed out that the way Jesus treated women should be taken as a model.

Alicia Capo, President of UDME, read a statement on how evangelical Christians see the ulcer of violence against women in Spain. Musician Alejandra Hernandez lead the song “Amazing grace”, written by John Newton, a former slave trader of the 18th century who became a Christian and changed his life.

“THERE IS HOPE”

The programme closed with prayer.

Finally, purple and white balloons were released as a symbol of the participants' solidarity with battered women in the city and the desire for peace and a decent future for the women suffering under this social ulcer.

“Real Christianity condemns any form of violence against women, Jesus showed it. We believe that there is hope”, Asun Quintana told Evangelical Focus.