EMBARGOED:
10 NOVEMBER 1999
PRESS
RELEASE
CHURCHES INVOLVED IN
MAJOR INITIATIVE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Northern Ireland
Women’s Aid welcomes “Ending the Pain and Healing the Hurt”, a
publication launched today. The
booklet is a practical guide to responding to domestic violence aimed at faith
communities in Ireland. Leaders
are urged to educate their congregations about the needs of families and
resources in the community and to learn more about responding appropriately
themselves.
Guidance
is given on the laws on domestic violence, help available for victims and
perpetrators and preaching on domestic violence.
The four main churches
were represented by:
1.
Rt Rev Dr John Lockington, Moderator Presbyterian Council
2.
Rt Rev James Moore, Bishop of Connor (Church of Ireland)
3.
Dr Kenneth Wilson, President of the Methodist Church
4.
Rev Michael McGinnity, Family Ministry Office, Diocese of Down &
Connor (Roman Catholic).
Among others present
were members of the Bahá’i faith, Baptists and Christian Fellowship
churches.
TV presenter, Wendy
Austin, ensured that many of the guests were able to contribute their ideas for
tackling domestic violence, using the theme “Translating Hope into Action”.
The
initiative arose from the Regional Forum on Domestic Violence.
Its Churches Sub Group has worked for over a year to agree strategies in
response to the Forum’s decision to work against domestic violence by
involving all of the key players in the community.
Angela
Courtney, Regional Management Co-ordinator of Northern Ireland Women’s Aid
Federation, who is a member of the Forum on Domestic Violence and chairs the
Churches Sub Group, said:
“It is apparent that church
communities could make a huge difference in increasing awareness and
creating a more compassionate society.
I have been tremendously encouraged by the commitment of those who
have come forward to work on the issue.
It is obvious that clergy and parish workers are well aware of
domestic violence in their communities, what has been lacking is guidance
and strategies for responding. I
hope that the launch of this booklet marks a significant turning point.”
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