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Soaring – Bishop's Blog
Devastating effects of domestic violence
October 15, 2011
On Oct. 14, the Knox County Community Coalition against Family Violence invited me to be the keynote speaker for a memorial luncheon at The Foundry in Knoxville.
The topic was very personal to me. The luncheon was organized to raise awareness of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the community's responsibility to put a stop to the epidemic. The luncheon was named for Anita Gregg, who was killed by her own husband in 1996.
Many of you are aware that at age 18, I lost my own mother to domestic violence. My stepfather was an alcoholic and decided that he wanted a drink. My mother would not give him the money for it, and so he took her life.
I know we ask a lot of the church, but this is one issue we cannot afford to treat casually or to ignore. We must offer safe places for victims of domestic violence, both parents and children. We must share their pain and help them find healing and a voice of support.
Please make yourself aware of the resources in your communities so that you will be ready when warning signs are apparent or tragedy strikes. Please be diligent in preparing to respond to family violence and making others aware of the threats and realities. Christ expects us to stand against it.
See also:
- "Redeeming justice: Breaking the silence about domestic violence" (The Call, 2/09/07)
- "October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month" (UMW/ GBGM)
Photo below: Bishop James Swanson listens to an audience member after giving an emotional keynote address on domestic violence.
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