wfn.org | General Assembly backgrounder: Domestic violence

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6518 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

8-May-2001
01162

General Assembly backgrounder:

Domestic violence

by Jerry L. Van Marter

	Perhaps the most significant social policy proposal to the 213th General
Assembly (2001) will be an 84-page report on the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)'s response to the problem of domestic violence.

	The report - entitled Turn Mourning Into Dancing! - has been prepared by
the church's Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy in response to an
overture (resolution) to the 1997 General Assembly from the Presbytery of
East Iowa.

	The purpose of the policy statement is to "hear the voices of victims and
survivors and respond to their calls with the following goals: first, to
protect the victims from further abuse; second, to stop the abuser's
violence and hold the abuser accountable; and third, to restore the family
relationship, if possible, or mourn the loss of the relationship."

	According to the report, domestic violence stems from "a need for power and
control," and can take many forms: physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and
abuse by neglect.  It includes child abuse, spouse/partner abuse, elder
abuse, sibling abuse and dating violence.

	The paper asserts that the church "should be a vehicle of God's love,
justice and grace for victims and survivors. This will require an
intentional process of becoming trustworthy partners in the process of
mourning, healing and reconnecting."

	The policy includes more than 60 recommendations for action, including a
variety of educational and advocacy efforts at all levels of the church, and
asks congregations to become more involved in ministries to victims,
survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence.

	Turn Mourning Into Dancing! has been assigned to the Assembly Committee on
National and Social Issues.

Editors note: This is a background report designated for journalists and
other guests who will be visiting the General Assembly.

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