This week, the ABC highlighted the fact (yes, it is a fact) that domestic violence happens in church communities. It not only happens to women who are married to lay people in the church, it also happens to women who are married to clergy. It has been happening for a long time, and those who hold authority have not always done what is right. That this should be happening in a church, a community who is supposed to be following the teachings of the Bible is horrible, despicable, and truly not God honouring at all. God loves justice and hears the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 22:23). We need to work together to fix this.

Here are some additional thoughts on this matter. Firstly, there are those who think that the ABC (or any Australian media outlet for that matter) has an axe to grind when it comes to Christianity. If so, then good. As the people of God, we need people to tell us when we’re doing it wrong. Quite often, people who are outside see things differently to those who are on the inside. Now sometimes, they might be getting it wrong altogether, but sometimes, they might be right and we should listen. As the Good Book reminds us, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1 NIV)

Secondly, we need to do something about it. There are definitely those in church who experience domestic violence. If you are one of those, please talk about it. Call a helpline or a relative, talk to an older, wiser, friend who loves you. Just keep trying until someone listens. It is not right and it must stop. If thankfully you are not someone who has suffered from this, be ready to listen. We must not defend this terrible injustice. It cannot continue.