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Pastor Response
Isn’t it marvelous that this woman who came to the well at a time of day when she could avoid seeing other people goes back to the city and proclaims to the people there that she has met the savior! Even though Jesus had never met her in person before, he approached her honoring her dignity. He knew her, he understood her, he did not judge her, he did not shame or hurt or mistreat or control her or isolate her. In her spiritual freedom she was invited to live a new and free life, free of control, free of degradation, free to tell her own story, free to come and go, free to interact with people, and free to be fully alive in community and to serve God in the ways she was uniquely created and called to do . . . You can do that.
Reverend Dr. Sarah M. Rieth, Charlotte, NC
Pastor Response
When a woman who is a victim of domestic violence comes to my office, the first question I ask her is Do you have a plan or do you wish to make a plan for changing the situation? If the answer is affirmative (and that is not always the case), we can proceed. At the very least, I can encourage a reluctant woman to proceed.
In most major North American cities there are a range of options for women seeking help. The biggest problem is knowing what is available. It is my job as a Minister to know what options are available and to share them with the victim.
In Calgary, Alberta, for example, we have a resource agency called FaithLink. It is a non-profit agency that works with religious institutions to educate ministers and pastors about domestic violence. It also helps us become aware of the options available for victims of domestic violence.
Because there is often a high level of trust between a minister and her congregant, Ministers play a significant role in alleviating the suffering, both spiritual and physical, that is a part of domestic violence. It is imperative, therefore, that Ministers avail themselves of the knowledge of what is available in the way of help.
(Rev.) Linda C. Hunter, Wild Rose United Church, Calgary, Alberta.
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