Anglican Church Southern Queensland the first faith organisation to pledge “Not Now, Not Ever. Together”
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The Anglican Church Southern Queensland is the first faith organisation to take a state-wide pledge demonstrating their commitment to preventing domestic and family violence at Synod, joining dozens of other organisations in the prominent cross-sector campaign
The Anglican Church Southern Queensland is the first faith organisation to take a state-wide pledge demonstrating their commitment to preventing domestic and family violence at Synod, joining dozens of other organisations in the prominent cross-sector campaign.
The “Not Now, Not Ever. Together” pledge, a Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council initiative, was signed by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves at the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s (ACSQ’s) annual Synod meeting in Brisbane.
Archbishop Greaves said that the Church needs to work together with governments and other sectors to embed cultural change in workplaces, homes and communities.
“Signing the pledge is one more way the Anglican Church Southern Queensland is being accountable to the commitments we’ve already made regarding putting an end to domestic and family violence — it is a public statement of our commitment,” The Most Reverend Greaves said.
“Taking the pledge recognises that domestic and family violence is a problem within, as well as outside, of the churches, and that we’re committed to bringing about change, as well as demonstrates our willingness to work together with the broader community to find and implement solutions.
“My hope is that the Church is a safe place for everyone, and that we might be seen as active participants in working towards ending domestic and family violence.
“We know that rates of domestic and family violence are just as appalling amongst church-going Christians as they are in the broader community, so we have much work to do.”
One in six women and one in 16 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner.
One in four women and one in six men have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
On average, one woman every nine days and one man every month is killed by a current or former partner in Australia.
Vanessa Fowler OAM is the sister of Allison Baden-Clay, who was killed by her husband, at the age of 43 in 2012.
Following her sister’s murder, St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ipswich parishioner Ms Fowler committed herself to family and domestic violence education and to empowering communities in preventative action.
She established the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation and also volunteers on the ACSQ Domestic and Family Violence Working Group and as co-chair of the Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council.
Ms Fowler said that all Queensland sectors need to challenge long-held beliefs in order to stop the “scourge” of domestic abuse, including intimate partner violence.
“As I continue my advocacy in the name of my sister, Allison, it is heartening to see organisations such as the Anglican Church committing to changing the narrative around domestic abuse, and ensuring that they play their part in preventing domestic and family violence,” she said.
“As a member of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s DFV Working Group, this pledge demonstrates that the Anglican Church is committed to making changes within its parishes and agencies, in part by disrupting beliefs held by some within the Church and the wider community.
“When different kinds of organisations sign the pledge, we know they recognise that we all have a part to play in ending domestic and family violence and abuse in clubs, workplaces, schools and faith groups, and that this scourge affects their members, employees, students and congregations.”
Anglican Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, with Vanessa Fowler OAM, signing the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s “Not Now, Not Ever. Together” pledge at the Church’s annual Synod meeting on the weekend of 22-23 June 2024 at Churchie
Since the “Not Now, Not Ever. Together” campaign was initiated in 2019 by the Queensland Government, law firms, big banks, sporting groups, charities, businesses and a university have taken the pledge.
The ACSQ’s “Not Now, Not Ever. Together” pledge commits the Church to “playing our role, working within our organisation and in partnership with others, including other faith communities, to raise awareness, improve prevention and provide practical assistance to end domestic and family violence.”
The ACSQ took this pledge as part of its implementation of the “Ten Commitments for Prevention and Response to Domestic and Family Violence in the Anglican Church of Australia”, which guide both short- and long-term actions in prevention, response and healing.
Taking the pledge responds to Commitment Six of these Ten Commitments: “Our Church actions are directed by the gospel of love, peace and justice, and are informed and engaged with local, state and national government initiatives.”
The pledge was initiated by the Church’s Domestic and Family Violence Working Group earlier this year.
It was signed by Archbishop Greaves at the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s annual Synod meeting on the weekend at Anglican Church Grammar School (“Churchie”), with Synod carrying a motion in support of the pledge.
Chair of the ACSQ Domestic and Family Violence Working Group, Archdeacon Lucy Morris, said that the Church is called to mirror God’s love and be places of welcome and healing.
“Our actions, thoughts and words always point to the God in whom we believe; and God does not condone, invite, excuse or require violence of any sort, ever,” The Venerable Dr Morris said.
“Rather, we are sent to share God’s peace, justice, hope and to love our neighbours and God — such love never includes family and domestic violence, abuse of any kind, patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, manipulation, coercion, hatred or fear.
“Our churches must be welcoming places of safety, justice, healing and flourishing.”
The Anglican Church Southern Queensland also raises awareness about domestic and family violence through the observance of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May, its ongoing work with the Red Rose Foundation, and through annual participation in the UN Women’s “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” initiative.
Note from Domestic and Family Violence Working Group chair The Ven. Dr Lucy Morris: The Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ) is committed to the rollout of the Ten Commitments as our Church’s response to domestic and family violence. This includes encouraging links with local support services.
The following 24/7 telephone services have a long track record responding to people experiencing domestic and family violence:
- DV Connect 1800 811 811 helps Queenslanders wanting to escape domestic violence.
- 1800RESPECT is a national service providing information, referrals, and counselling.
If you, or the person you are assisting, are in immediate danger please call the Police on 000.
Note from Rob Bates (Director of Professional Standards): The Office of Safe Ministry is also available to offer support and guidance and can be contacted on 1800 242 544 or via email professionalstandards@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.
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