Speak Up and Speak Out
United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men team up to address domestic violence
Church Women Focus on Domestic Violence
by Linda Bloom, United Methodist News Service
Published: October 12, 2010
STAMFORD, CONN.--Survivors of domestic violence should not have to choose between their faith and being safe.
Such a dilemma can occur, says the Rev. Aleese Moore-Orbih, if they are told by their churches to stay “in a situation where it is possible for them to lose their lives.”
Moore-Orbih, a United Church of Christ pastor, is director of training and consulting for FaithTrust Institute, an organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. During the Oct. 8-11 meeting of the Women’s Division, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, she counseled directors on how local congregations can assist abuse survivors.
United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men have joined forces to stand with women against domestic violence and are working as partners on programs, training and resources to address the problem.
United Methodist Women is among the sponsors of “I Believe You: Faiths’ Response to Intimate Partner Violence,” which will air on ABC-TV in January. The documentary explores the stories of women who have experienced abuse and how faith groups have created programs to address their needs.
