(Trigger warning: mention of domestic violence)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, originally designated by the U.S. Congress in 1989. Over 1 in 3 women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/ or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
It is imperative for the church to take accountability for how we use theology that perpetuates violence. Every time we tell a woman to make it work because of our belief in the sanctity of marriage, we are negating how their partner violated their marital vows by causing physical, emotional, or financial harm to her. When we ask women to choose to forgive their abuser without asking the abuser to repent, we are manipulating Jesus’ teachings like the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). While forgiveness is a Christian value, God intends for us to repent and harm no more.
We should be able to agree that nobody should be afraid of their partner, family, friends, or neighbor, and if we work to change our system, we could potentially protect more girls and women from continued violence. The reform we seek is not only in our judicial system but in our spiritual institutions as well.
This message is excerpted from “Yes, believe women” by Nicolette Faison from the October 11, 2024, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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