Resources for Domestic Violence and Other Issues

Resources available for domestic violence and other issues

During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to overlook the hurting and lonely in our midst. We hear the carols and experience the joy, but these are difficult days for those dealing with abuse or violence at home. The world doesn’t have much time during the Christmas season for reconciling reality with hope in Christ, but that’s where the Church can help. Even in our sinful world, Jesus brings hope, comfort and forgiveness. Let us remember those who are often forgotten during this happy season and share with them the light of life that never, ever goes out. To promote life together as we maneuver through this earthly kingdom and the myriad issues we confront almost daily, we have assembled resources on topics ranging from domestic violence to religious liberty now available on a new “social issues” area of lcms.org. While some of the pages are still under construction, and materials are still being updated, we draw your attention to our domestic violence resources. The issue has been prominent in the news lately involving stories of abuse by professional athletes. However, domestic violence is not limited to those on either end of the economic spectrum as one might assume. The likelihood of it impacting each of us is great. One study commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced a form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, demonstrating the urgency with which the Church needs to be prepared to respond to the issue. Resources on domestic abuse are now available to aid church workers, friends, family members and survivors of domestic abuse in identifying and understanding the issue, and information is provided for how to intervene when such a situation is confronted. Resources include: A theological statement entitled “When Homes are Heartless” provides a Lutheran perspective on domestic abuse. Pastoral care rites and resources. A helpful information sheet containing both practical and spiritual resources for addressing the issue. A Lutheran Hour Ministries tract written for abuse survivors, “Has God Abandoned Me?” A comprehensive training program for districts, congregations and other LCMS organizations. You can find these resources at lcms.org/socialissues/domesticviolence. You also can hear an interview on KFUO about domestic violence and how to respond faithfully in love at www.kfuoam.org. We pray you find these resources helpful, and we encourage you to share them broadly.