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RAPE
AND RELIGION The Reverend Canon J Erica Murray of the Church of the Province (Anglican Church) has put together a discussion course on sexual violence and abuse, for use with parish groups during six two and a half hour sessions. The course was compiled by Rev Murray after the synod of the COP took a stand against sexual violence and abuse at its July, 1999 synod. The first lesson is about Susanna who was threatened with rape by two elders who had been appointed as judges (Daniel 13). The two judges plotted together to rape Susanna: "Their moment came on a lovely hot day. Susanna went to bathe in her private garden and asked her maids to shut the gates and leave her alone. No-one was aware of the two judges lurking in the garden. Out they came, "We want to sleep with you. If you refuse we'll testify against you." "Susanna was grief stricken as she realised her dilemma. If she slept with them she would have to die (in terms of Jewish law of the time). If not, they would destroy her anyway. She refused them ...She screamed, the judges screamed and everyone came running." The judges "accused her of sleeping with a young man which she denied. Because of their status, the judges were believed and Susanna condemned to death. Susanna cried out to God pleading innocence. "God heard her plea and stirred Daniel's heart and he cried out loudly, "I want no part in the shedding of this innocent woman's blood." "Daniel convinced them to return to court and to keep the two judges separate. This was a Jewish way of getting at the truth. One judge said he had found Susanna and the young man under a mastic tree, the other said it was an evergreen oak. "All the people praised God for not failing Susanna. The judges were put to death and Susanna redeemed." In the course materials participants are asked: "What struck you about Susanna? What is it like to be falsely accused? Name some innocent victims in today's world. What can you discover about the use of power? Describe Susanna's relationship with God." The course
materials are available from any Anglican/COP regional office. © Speak Out Terms of use |