The Seventh-day Adventist Church is calling on residents to take a public stand against abuse and violence this weekend as it stages its fourth annual End It Now March through the Gray’s Farm community.

Saturday’s march, being held under the theme “Move with Compassion,” forms part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global End It Now campaign, which raises awareness about domestic and sexual violence, child and elder abuse, human trafficking, bullying, and emotional and psychological abuse.

Lindale Daniel, Public Relations Officer for the Women’s Ministries Department of the South Leeward Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said the initiative is intended to do more than highlight the problem. It is also aimed at encouraging communities to act.

“It is designed to raise awareness, to educate communities and to inspire action to ensure that every home, school and neighbourhood becomes a safe place for all people,” Daniel said.

She said this year’s theme reflects the church’s belief that compassion must go beyond recognising the problems affecting society and lead to meaningful action.

“Jesus was moved in compassion when he healed persons. He did not just recognize the ills in society, but he was moved with compassion into action,” Daniel said.

“We’re simply not reacting to crime and violence and abuse. We’re responding with the heart of Christ’s compassion that moves us beyond outrage, moves us beyond fear.”

Daniel pointed to concerns about crime, gun violence and sexual abuse in Antigua and Barbuda as reasons residents should become more involved in efforts to protect vulnerable people.

“If the way that we look at Antigua, and we see the increase in crime and gun violence and sexual abuse, even the 200 children for the past six months who have been affected by sexual abuse, does not move you into compassion, then nothing else will,” she said.

The church is also encouraging community organisations and other groups to join the march, with Daniel stressing that addressing abuse and violence cannot be left to any one organisation or sector.

The march will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, at the Tindale Seventh-day Adventist Church on Valley Road before making its way through Gray’s Farm.

Participants will make four prayer stops along the route, outside True Style Salon, at the Crossroads, at the Nazarene Church of God and at the Keithley Shepherd Recreational Park, formerly King George V Ground.

The prayer stops will focus on national repentance, an appeal for those involved in violence to turn away from it, healing for victims and their families, and peaceful ways of resolving conflict.

Organisers say the march ultimately seeks to send a message that communities must not only speak out against abuse, but also stand with victims and promote healing, restoration and respect for the dignity of every man, woman and child.

This article was adapted from original reporting by Kisean Joseph, Antigua Observer by Newsco.