Overview
Paulina Shakeri and Marianne Fegth, communications officers in the Malmö Parish of the Church of Sweden, developed a website and other materials to revitalize the Thursdays in Black campaign. They aim to share their approach so other parishes and churches can replicate the effort.
Inspiration and Local Context
“The primary inspiration came from the fact that our vicar, Gunilla Hallonsten, is an ambassador for Thursdays in Black. Her engagement and clear commitment to the campaign made it natural for us to carry this work forward locally and to integrate it into our parish’s ongoing mission.”
The campaign’s emphasis on dignity, nonviolence, and the right to live free from fear resonates strongly in Malmö. The city often sees global issues becoming local realities, and the Thursdays in Black message aligns with the parish’s pastoral work and its aim to be a visible and courageous voice against violence.
Implementation in Malmö Parish
The parish integrates Thursdays in Black across various contexts, including:
- workshops
- cultural events
- other projects
- diaconal work
These activities aim to raise awareness and engage participants in reflection and action.
Authored Summary
Shakeri and Fegth describe how leadership, local adaptation, and a broad range of activities can extend Thursdays in Black into parish life, encouraging other churches to adopt similar practices.
Author’s Summary
Parish leaders in Malmö leverage a strong alignment with Thursdays in Black to embed its principles into diverse programs, promoting dignity, nonviolence, and safety for all.