Last week we looked at the evil of spousal abuse, which recent research indicates has a high prevalence in SPORADIC attenders of conservative evangelical Christian churches. Since our church sits right in this category, statistically speaking there may well be victims of domestic violence among us.
Awareness of domestic violence has been increasing across our society in recent years. In keeping with this, the Sydney Anglican Synod has discussed this issue at length, proposing ways in which Sydney Anglican Churches can better deal with domestic violence.
The ministry staff at Earlwood Anglican are also continually increasing their understanding of this topic, as well as how to treat victims with utmost care and support. We now have a female staff member (praise God!), and James and Brendan attended a conference last month of which half a day was dedicated to the topic of Domestic Family Violence (i.e. spousal and child abuse).
It is our wish that Earlwood Anglican to be a place where victims of domestic violence can feel safe to speak up, knowing they will be supported and cared for. As frail humans, who do not deal with this issue regularly (i.e. we’re not specialists in this field), the ministry staff may not handle situations perfectly. Yet it is our strong desire to make victims feel safe if/when they come to us, and for them to know that their ongoing safety is our primary concern. Even if the ministry staff are close to the abuser, please know that we are here to help the victim first and foremost. So, if you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, please do not hesitate to come and talk to the ministry staff; for we are here to help keep you safe.
Brendan McLaughlin
