Anglican Church of Australia's "You May Have Heard It Said" campaign echoes the words of Jesus
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The Anglican Church of Australia has launched a social media campaign to help address and prevent the root causes of domestic and family violence
The Anglican Church of Australia has launched a social media campaign to help address and prevent the root causes of domestic and family violence.
The You May Have Heard It Said campaign echoes the words of Jesus and contrasts the unhealthy attitudes, that can lead to domestic and family violence, with healthy ones.
For example: “You may have heard it said that a man has the right to control their partner; however, Jesus repeatedly challenged the unjust treatment of women, teaching that both men and women are created equally in God’s image. An image bearer of God is to be respected.”
The campaign will coincide with the United Nations initiative “16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” from Sunday 24 November to Tuesday 10 December.
The campaign reflects the Church’s commitment to prevent and address domestic and family violence that is affecting its members and those in the broader community.
The Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, The Most Rev’d Geoff Smith, said that harmful attitudes in the Church need to change.
“The Anglican Church is determined to be a part of the solution to the national problem of gender-based violence and support victims and survivors of intimate partner violence,” Archbishop Geoff said.
“This campaign aims at the roots of that violence to change the culture that supports violence.
“We want to start conversations about poor attitudes we may hold towards people around us and reinforce better ones to replace them.”
The Church has made Ten Commitments to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence and this campaign forms part of the Church’s strategy.
The commitments were developed by the Anglican Family Violence Working Group, which is led by The Rev’d Tracy Lauersen.
“We want people to help us get the message out to as many people as possible, so we invite the community to ‘like’, ‘follow’ and ‘share’ these social media posts via our ‘Ten Commitments to Prevent Violence’ Facebook and Instagram pages,” The Rev’d Lauersen said.
For the second year, the General Synod Families and Culture Commission is supporting the United Nations 16 days of Activism campaign.
Chair of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Working Group, The Ven. Dr Lucy Morris, said that national and local Church responses are vital.
“This critical campaign raises awareness about the importance of preventing the spread of the epidemic of gender-based violence,” Archdeacon Lucy said.
“Our Church’s support is focussed on educating and supporting those who need help, and changing people’s lives with real assistance, and giving them hope and changing lives — this is so important.”
Chair of the Anglican Church of Australia’s Families and Culture Commission, Bishop Genieve Blackwell, said the Church wanted to deliver a powerful message.
“Our churches operate in local community spaces throughout the country, and we want to play our part in helping to prevent and respond to the scourge of domestic violence by raising awareness about the link between attitudes and actions,” Bishop Genieve said.
Editor’s notes:
Follow and share social media posts on the Ten Commitments Facebook and Instagram pages.
For more information and resources visit the 16 Days of Activism 2024 Campaign and newsletter subscribe webpages on the Ten Commitments website.
Visit the anglican focus Events page for Anglican Church Southern Queensland 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence events.
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 Safe Ministry): 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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