The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in 2019, reignited its participation in Thursdays in Black in relationship to its social teaching on gender-based violence and sexism. “With intention, these efforts have also trickled down to local congregations and communities,” said Lohre. “The spike in gender-based violence worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the urgency of the campaign.”

Lohre cited stories and testimonies of why Thursdays in Black is important, and how it changes lives. 

“Most Thursdays, I remember to don black clothing and affix my button before heading into my day,” said Lohre. “Because of the nature of my work, I am oftentimes in company with others who have done the same.”

People then post photos using the hashtag #ThursdaysinBlack. 

“From the looks of our social media feeds, the movement continues to grow,” she said. “But I often wonder if that’s true beyond the church. What impact has the church really had on the public space?”

She shared the story of one of her colleagues, Franklin Ishida, that showed this impact. “He recently traveled to Papua New Guinea for church meetings,” said Lohre. “After making his way through immigration, he went to change money at the bank.”

When he got to the counter of the Bank of the South Pacific, he was surprised. The teller behind the desk was wearing a bank-branded "Black Thursdays” polo shirt. 

“Here is an example of a church-secular partnership,” said Lohre. Launched in 2020, Bank of the South Pacific staff wear black on Thursdays to raise public awareness about family and sexual violence and gender-based violence. 

The bank is one of the largest employers in Papua New Guinea, a majority-Christian country where nearly 60% of women and girls have experienced some form of physical sexual violence—almost twice the global average, according to the UN. Bank of the South Pacific CEO Robin Fleming has publicly stated, “As a responsible employer, we are compelled to offer help because we care for the wellbeing of our employees.”

The bank’s work on this critical social issue long preceded its Black Thursdays campaign launch. “In 2013, the bank responded to increased staff absenteeism, reported incidents, and requests for refuge by converting one of its properties into a safe house – a project which grew into Campus of Hope,” described Lohre. “Additionally, the bank adopted a Family Sexual Violence Policy to create a safe and judgement-free zone for its employees, as well as a Family Sexual Violence Action Committee, and a survivor support group called Voices of Hope.”

As part of their onboarding and training, staff learn about these resources and information is shared. “The support from top leadership has made a tremendous difference not only in the bank’s internal culture, but in the broader society as well,” said Lohre, adding that, given the strong participation of South Pacific churches in the global ecumenical movement, it is likely that a direct link exists between the bank's campaign and Thursdays in Black. 

“However, I will need more time to say so with confidence,” she said. “Regardless, we can affirm that the church’s engagement can motivate other partners to participate in the public space, or the church’s engagement is strengthened in concert with other partners’ contributions.”

Lohre concluded: “Either way, the message is coherent in the public space, and the work toward ‘neighbor justice’ is strengthened.”