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By Yvette Moore*
6:00 A.M. EST Apr. 19, 2010 | NASHVILLE (UMNS)
United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women have agreed to a
first-of-its kind joint effort to stand with women against domestic
violence.
The organizations agreed to collaborate on domestic violence
programs, training and resources that can be used in churches across
the country.
Last fall, directors of United Methodist Women encouraged local
units to partner with United Methodist Men groups to sponsor domestic
violence awareness events in their churches and communities.
During its April 12 meeting, the Women’s Division board learned
that the Commission on United Methodist Men had agreed to “combine our
efforts against domestic violence.”
Epidemic of violence
Harriett Jane Olson, top staff executive of the Women’s Division,
commented on the importance of the historic partnership.
“From the silence on this topic in our congregations, it appears
as if churches assume that this epidemic of violence does not affect
their members. However, experts warn pastors and congregational leaders
that they should be prepared to respond to an outpouring of stories
and needs if they begin open discussion of domestic abuse in a way that
makes victims and families feel supported,” she said.
“Though national mission institutions, women’s shelters and
community centers have worked to address those affected by domestic
violence for many years, United Methodist Women decided last year that a
more proactive approach was needed. We felt that it was important for
us to find ways to help churches address this matter for the benefit of
the members of congregations and in the communities they serve.”
Create safe environment
Gilbert C. Hanke, top staff executive of the Commission on United
Methodist Men, said domestic violence is “a subject that we either
ignore, or convince ourselves it only happens outside the church.”
While he noted that some victims are male, “that represents a very
small percentage (16 percent) and diverts our attention from the overall
problem. I hope we can address the overt abuse that takes place in all
our communities, as well as create a safe, welcoming environment
within men's and women's ministry for everyone that is damaged by
domestic violence.”
Women’s Division’s initial recommendation cited the “National
Declaration by Religious and Spiritual Leaders to Address Violence
Against Women,” signed in 2006 by the Council of Bishops of The United
Methodist Church, which states:
“We proclaim that violence against women exists in all
communities, including our own, and is morally, spiritually and
universally intolerable. We commit ourselves to working toward the day
when all women will be safe and abuse will be no more.”
United Methodist Women is an organization of approximately 800,000
members whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders
and advocate for justice. Members raise nearly $20 million each
year for programs and projects serving women, children and youth in the
United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. The
Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is
the organization’s national policymaking body.
The Commission on United Methodist Men charters organizations
across the United States, with 231,000 men giving $14.3 million to
mission projects.
*Moore is the editor of United Methodist Women News.
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