Domestic Violence in the Christian Church

As a leader in the Christian Church I am very concerned about the issue of "Domestic Violence." Although for a very long time I have been aware of the problem and that it existed in our community, I have become more educated about the problem and the dynamics that surround it. It is alarming to know that over 36,000 women were murdered in our country by husbands, boyfriends, and ex-husbands over the past 30 years. It is also alarming to know that 1 out of every 4 women are beaten or sexually assaulted my a man every day. That is a documented statistic, which does not include the assaults that go unreported. In 2001 the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study which found that 20% of adolescent girls were physically or sexually abused while on a date, and again that can only be based on reported cases.

The statistics go on and on, which shows that Domestic violence is a problem that is now at apocalyptic proportions. I became very troubled after going to trainings lectures and workshops, etc., which brought this dark issue to light in my mind and heart. It is unfortunate that many do not see the problem of men's violence against women as a major issue. Many only see the cases of men's violence against women as isolated cases. But with all the staggering statistics we can see clearly that this is not about isolated issues. There are women all over the country and world that I have learned of and am yet learning of, who have made it there life's mission to change this problem. One of the major thing that has to happen is that more men need to get involved in the mission of ending men's violence against women.

As a leader in the Christian Community I know that this problem is not just on the secular arena.
This is a problem that is being faced in our churches across the country but it seems that no one dare talk about it. I believe and am working very hard to break the silence in my circles of fellowship with the faith that it will catch the attention of others, mainly men, so that there are greater numbers working to change this problem. We can no longer sweep this issue under the carpet because the statistics mentioned above will rise and eventually it will come knocking at our door if it has not already. I will be dealing with this matter for the long haul and welcome your thoughts, Comments and Questions.

Forever in the Service of the Lord and the service of his precious People

Bishop L. Moore