The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting Christians across the world to join in a special prayer for women who are facing gender-based violence.

Each Thursday, beginning today, 31 May, the WCC will release, via its website and social media, a prayer shared by members of ‘pilgrim teams’ who have been visiting communities in conflict, and hearing the stories of women who are facing sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence and other injustices.

These ‘pilgrim prayers’ will reflect the experiences of pilgrim team members who, during the past two years, have witnessed the deep wounds among women in conflict situations.

Nancy Motsamai and her husband Fusi, both from South Africa, were much-loved members of the Woking United Reformed Church community, before tragedy struck.

The couple had fallen in love in the UK while on student visas and were married by the Revd Lucy Brierley, minister of the church.

They built a life together in the country and became active members of Woking URC, serving as youth and children’s work leaders before they were forced to embark upon a tragic battle with an unjust and broken system.

‘Luton gangs to be targeted by Bedfordshire Police,’ screams one headline. ‘Luton fast food owner jailed over drugs in takeaway bag,’ shouts another. ‘Luton terrorism hotspot,’ cries one more.

For those unfamiliar with the area, it would seem, on first appearances, to be a place to avoid.

But Karen Campbell, United Reformed Church Related Community Worker (CRCW) for Grassroots – a Luton-based ecumenical charity that supports community work through its involvement with the Bury Park Beech Hill Council of Churches (BPBHCC) – shows just how much work is going on behind the negative headlines, to build community and celebrate multiculturalism.