At the British Union Conference (BUC) Executive Committee held on Thursday 14 March, the adoption of a new policy on domestic abuse was ratified. The policy was presented and developed by BUC Family Ministries director Pastor Leslie Ackie received uniformed appreciated and consensus by the committee.
The policy recognises the well-being of those created in the image of God as being integral to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It emphasises the importance of a Church body where we care for and strengthen each other physically and emotionally as well as spiritually.
These policies and the procedures are provided to guide and support in fulfilling the shared responsibility to create a safe environment for all family members within our homes. They will also provide the guidance necessary to hold those who perpetrate abuse responsible for their actions.
The policy states in its introduction…"Combatting domestic abuse is everybody's responsibility. It requires collaborative work not only in the various levels of Church organisation but also with those agencies within our communities who possess the specialised skills and resources to assist those in need."
In response to the policy Pastor Ackie said,
"Domestic abuse is a tragic reality in both society in general and within the Church. The Church seeks to create an environment where all can feel safe from abuse. The purpose of these guidelines is to change attitudes and practices that allow abuse to thrive. It also seeks to provide clear, practical guidance and procedures for addressing disclosures of domestic abuse. All church members have a responsibility to act in a manner that minimises risk and maximises support for survivors of abuse."
The policy will now be adopted by churches and institutions within the BUC.
See the policy here.