My dream is the church would rise up and take action to end Violence Against Women, the church being a place of refuge and love to those suffering or surviving violence. That the church itself would speak up and break the silence of domestic abuse going on within its communities. That we would respond in love and grace. My hope is that the church would be united in action, no longer being sidelined on the issue but taking action and responsibility together.
My hope is to see a movement of men to speak to other men about relationships and bringing violence against women to an end. That men in the church would not come in and take over but would work in partnership with women in ending violence against women. My dream is that there would be many first men standing in their churches, families and communities , speaking out about domestic abuse and making a stand to end violence against women.
I long for women in the church to be released to realise their full potential in life. To see a fresh perspective of the love of God that would give them a firm grounding and foundation in life to springboard into action. No longer living under the weight of expectations of society and pressures but so see things from a fresh perspectives that all things are possible through Christ who gives us strength. I long to see women living in violent situations released from this bondage that steals, destroys and kills and brought back into true freedom and love.
Mandy Marshall is Tearfund’s Programme Development Advisor of Gender. She is currently working on engaging Christians to end violence against women. To find out more please email mandy.marshall@tearfund.org
The Sophia Network exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.
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