Family violence (domestic violence and child abuse) is among the most pervasive public health problems in our society. Violence in the family devastates homes, leaving in its wake fear, depression, rage and, in turn, more violence. Children who witness family violence are at increased risk for perpetrating violence in their own lives, continuing the cycle of violence. Making matters worse, 50 percent of these children are abused themselves.

Children often make sense of the horror by blaming themselves. This internalization can manifest itself in low self-esteem, poor academic performance, conduct disorders, drug use, risky sexual behavior and violence. Each year in the U.S., Child Protective Services substantiates abuse involving over one million children. Beyond this, another two million children are exposed to family violence.

How are we church people serving as peacemakers to prevent this? For only by reducing abuse in the home can we reduce social problems outside the home. Gangs, drugs, delinquent behavior have their roots in family violence. Often, however, when this issue is raised, many imagine that we are talking about other people, people of a different ethnicity, economic level, religious outlook, background, orientation or status. This blindness has allowed family violence to become rooted in every congregation and every community.

Compounding the blindness has been silence. Is family violence addressed in our church programs or in our church protocol? What if an elder or a pastor or a youth worker is a perpetrator? What if a church member comes forward for help? Do we provide awareness and prevention training to our staff? Have we developed systems to help victims? Have we preached from the pulpit on family violence? Have we provided resources to our church members? Is the church recognized as a community leader in the fight against family violence?

Sadly, the church is often viewed more as a perpetrator than a partner in prevention. Considering our deafness, blindness and muteness on the issue, it is not surprising that victims of family violence have ranked clergy least among those who provided help.

We are called to spread the message of the gospel of peace. Evangelism is not a matter of words, but actions. To spread the good news is to increase the peace of Jesus Christ in our homes, in our churches, in our communities. Respecting the message of Christ demands internal evangelism within our religious community so that we can effectively work beyond our church walls.

We must pray that Jesus give sight to the blind, sound to the deaf and voice to the mute, for we are that body in need. Let us work for healing within, so that we can be peacemakers without.

Matthew Herbst, Assistant Minister
Pacific Beach United Methodist Church
San Diego, CA

Thanks SO MUCH for such powerful theme-related issues. I really like the theme aspect as well as the ones you choose.

Christine Weber-Kearney
Portland, OR

Recently Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, N.C., was prominently featured in the The Pilot newspaper for its "Blessing of the animals" ceremony.

In the next issue the editors bestowed a "Birdie" on the clergy for doing this. O what flummery!

Yes, for hundreds and hundreds of years, we have been blessing animals, houses, icons, altar furnishings, clerical vestments and many "things."

But when will the Church bless ALL PEOPLE? WHEN?!!

Blaine Paxton Hall
Pinehurst, NC