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EDITOR'S NOTE
Why has the church been so silent about the issue of
abuse?
It is a frightening fact that rates of
domestic abuse in Christian homes are equal to that of the
broader population. And while I believe that no Christian, when
asked, would say that the Bible allows for such violent
behavior, Christian researchers and advocates for women in
abusive situations tell us how little our churches address abuse
from the pulpit and through other educational means. In fact,
survivors of abuse often report that if they do seek refuge in
their church community, they are either ignored or asked what
they did to deserve the cruelty. Frequently, they are even
advised to stay in the situation—that God will heal the broken
relationship if she just stays and “submits” to her husband’s
“leadership.”
This reality—that many Christian men (and
those in positions of Christian leadership) use the Bible
incorrectly to justify violence against women—is one that I
believe God desperately wants to transform. As both Al Miles and
Gerald Ford thoughtfully demonstrate in their articles in this
issue, theology has a direct impact on
our lives. And when we teach and believe in a theology that
ignores the Gospel message for women—that of freedom and
God-given worth—then we should not be surprised when abused
women often find no refuge in their churches.
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When we teach and believe in a
theology that ignores the Gospel message for
women—that of freedom and God-given worth—then we
should not be surprised when abused women often find
no refuge in their churches. |
What can we do about domestic violence
today?
As we serve a God of justice and of love, I
am convinced that God’s heart is attuned to those in our
communities who are suffering from abuse. A first and important
step to ensure that our churches are places of refuge and hope
is to encourage our churches to publicly state our condemnation
of abuse.
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In
This Issue:
Al Miles examines often asked questions
about men and domestic violence and
calls our churches to advocacy.
Gerald W. Ford shares insight into
patriarchal theology and its influence in the lives
of women suffering from abuse.
Evelyn J. Dahlke presents her compelling
personal story of abuse and redemption.
JoAnn Streeter Shade, in a self-directed
journal, guides us to reflect on Judges 19 and
encourages healing for those suffering from abuse.
Allison Young reviews Elaine Flake’s
God in Her Midst, a book of sermons aimed at
encouraging and empowering hurting women.
And 25% off CBE recommended resources on
domestic abuse. |
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As one CBE volunteer said to me recently,
this could begin with something as small as signs in women’s
bathrooms, providing phone numbers and addresses of resource
centers for survivors of abuse. Cathie
Kroeger, CBE president emerita and founder of PASCH (Peace and
Safety in Christian Homes), distributes “shoe cards” to
churches. Shoe cards are small enough to fit under a woman’s
insole, describe what behaviors are defined as abuse, and
include the national domestic violence hotline number. Providing
these resources for women in a safe and non-threatening way can
make a powerful statement to an abused woman that she will find
support from her church community. In this small way, her church
says to her that she will experience love, and not judgment or
guilt, as she seeks help, heals, and makes important decisions
about her future.
This Issue of
E-Quality
Due to the nature of domestic abuse, please
be aware that some of the articles in this issue of E-Quality
may be difficult to read. We pray that they will continue to
challenge us to break the silence about domestic abuse and to
carefully examine how our churches can work to oppose the sexism
that often enables and even causes it.
More than anything else, this issue of
E-Quality is about hope—hope for those suffering from abuse
and hope for the church that we may love and support them on
their journey towards healing. As you read and reflect on these
articles and accompanying art images, may you be inspired to
continue to seek after God’s loving desire for women (and men)
to experience freedom. And may God use this issue as a tool of
courage and empowerment for those who are
suffering.
Blessings to you,
Megan Greulich
E-Quality editor
Would you like to
share your story with the readers of E-Quality? If you
have an article you would like to submit for consideration, send
it to
cbe@cbeinternational.org. We also welcome your feedback,
comments, or suggestions.
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Megan
Greulich is a 2006 graduate of Bethel University
with a degree in psychology. Her interests include art
history, reconciliation and justice issues, singing, and
baking and cake decorating. Besides editing E-Quality,
Megan also currently serves as Membership Coordinator at
CBE.
