11.09.2023
Book Now for MU Dublin Conference – Changing the Story of Domestic Abuse
This Saturday, September 16, Mothers’ Union host the second of two ground breaking ‘Changing The Story ‘ Conferences in Dublin. With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men affected in Ireland, domestic abuse is endemic in our communities.
So often this issue has been brushed under the carpet. ‘Changing The Story’ seeks to explore why and how we, as a church people, can work together to become safer and supportive compassionate communities.
Together with church leaders, partners and professionals, we are particularly pleased to welcome two well known keynote speakers in this field, Bekah Legg, Restored, and Rev Dr Helen Paynter, theologian and author.
The conferences are open to individuals and groups from all denominations and churches. Small steps make a difference – let’s work together to change this story and create safe spaces for all.
Tickets are still available through Eventbrite …. book yours today……
Friday 15th September in Seagoe Parish Centre, Portadown, BT63 5HS
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/changing-the-story-conference-tickets-632693281637
Saturday 16th September in Kilternan Parish Centre, Dublin, D18 ET99
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/changing-the-story-conference-dublin-tickets-637371995797
Quotes from church leaders:
‘The home should be a place of safety, security and love and the very centre of family life. Domestic abuse therefore attacks the very heart and essence of the family and should never be tolerated. As Christians, and members of the wider Church family, we need to offer a safe place for those facing abuse, and offer them protection, understanding and unconditional love.’
Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh 2012–2020
‘How terrible must it be to be afraid when you hear a key in the door. How demoralising must it be to live your life in the home you have created against the dark background of control and belittlement. Yet, this is the reality in many homes across Ireland today as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men live the terror of walking a journey with abuse.’
A civilised and compassionate society should do everything in its power to root out domestic abuse. And every Christian should help where they can.’
The Most Revd John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh
‘Domestic abuse is all the more devastating because so often it is invisible except to the person who suffers and to the person who does violence to that person. The light goes out on life itself through the stripping out of personality, dignity and humanity itself. Domestic abuse is not an accident; it is a deliberate act of cruelty.’
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough
“One of the most important things that churches, and communities of faith can do is to stand up and speak out for justice and dignity for all.”
The Right Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Bekah Legg
Bekah Legg is the CEO of Restored, a Christian charity with a mission to speak up about violence against women and girls, equip the church to stand against domestic abuse and support survivors. It hosts an online community for Christian women who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
Bekah lectures on a biblical understanding of domestic abuse and gender–based violence and has spoken at the UN on the important role the Church can and does play in ending VAWG.
Rev Dr Helen Paynter
Helen Paynter is a Baptist minister and Old Testament specialist. She works as Tutor in Biblical Studies at the Bristol Baptist College, and is the founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence (csbvbristol.org.uk). The CSBV produces resources in the areas of the interpretation of biblical violence and where the Bible is used to cause harm. Helen is the author of a number of books, including The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control.