“As a follower of Jesus, I think about advocacy as a responsibility that I have to offer care to those who need it, because they are dignified people created by God.” – Victor Owuor, Baptist Churches Western Australia

Last week, around 30 leaders from across the Australian Baptist movement gathered in Canberra for Converge, an annual advocacy event. Baptist Mission Australia was represented by Hedda, one of our Board members, and myself (Teagan) from the National Team. In small groups, Converge members met with 30 Members of Parliament and Senators from all sides of politics to advocate for greater response to the issue of family and domestic violence.

Here is a video recap of the event:

There should be no place for family and domestic violence in our society, and yet it is an all too real issue for far too many. 1 in 4 women experience violence at the hands of a partner and 2 in 5 children are exposed to domestic violence.

“The Kingdom of God does not have violence. The Kingdom of God doesn’t coercive control people. The Kingdom of God doesn’t abuse people. And so to come here and stand up and say, as Baptists, we want to see the Kingdom of God coming to every person – the right to live in safety, the right to not be controlled in their finances and their relationship, what they can and can’t do. So that’s why it’s so important for us, because this is bringing the Kingdom of God.” – Julie Gardiner, Christies Beach Baptist Church

Last week in Canberra was about engaging Federal politicians to play the important role they have to enact positive change. But we know that for genuine change to happen, we all need to work together! Every church, pastor and community member has a part to play in shifting the attitudes and actions that lead to family and domestic violence. As a church, how can you talk more about this issue and actively ensure you are safe place for all?

Pray with us that things we spoke about with politicians will stick and contribute to the big picture of positive change. And pray for Baptist churches to be examples of loving relationships where the dignity and value of each person is upheld.