As a follower of Jesus and an Anglican minister in Sydney, I was shocked and grieved by the pain experienced by the women interviewed in the 7:30 Report, focussing on domestic violence in the church . I also recognised the upset of the principal of Moore College and the chair of the task force dealing with domestic violence. I
We all know we can misuse the exhortation of Jesus to forgive. We can ask repeatedly for someone, whom we have hurt, to forgive us, but never really own the gravity of our sin. Such pleading for forgiveness is a feature of a relationship in which domestic violence occurs. A good principal can be misused.
It was hard watching last night’s ABC 7:30 Report, with its focus on domestic violence and Christian faith. The women who had experienced such violence spoke honestly and expressed hope in the midst of their pain. In any form; physical, verbal, emotional, financial and spiritual, domestic violence must never be tolerated. The church leaders interviewed
NSW Police have released an excellent video addressing domestic violence. Here’s the statement that accompanies the video. NSW Police has today launched a powerful new video campaign to raise public awareness about the issue of domestic and family violence.“It’s not your fault” is the theme of the campaign, which consists of a 30-second community service
Have you seen Julia Baird’s article in this morning’s Sydney Morning Herald? The article is aptly entitled “Submission is a fraught mixed message for the church”. I recommend it. Baird quotes a few church leaders in her article, including Glenn Davies, the Archbishop of Sydney Anglican diocese. I am personally troubled by some of Davies’
From Dr Mimi Hadad, president of Christians for Biblical Equality, International: “As the film industry promotes “Fifty Shades of Grey,” launching on Valentine’s Day, I sit beside sixty scholars, activists, and faith leaders from more than twenty countries at a forum convened by the Carter Center: “Beyond Violence: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies.” Working to
UNSAFE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SHADOWS OF THE CHURCH Christian Conversations About Domestic Violence Every week in Australia, a woman dies at the hands of her partner, or former partner, and many, many more Australians live with an abusive spouse or parent. “Domestic violence is a widespread though often hidden problem across Australia. It occurs in