While faith communities offer a supportive and peaceful environment, church leaders are not always familiar with the resources available to help victims of violence and batterers. When I can talk openly about violence in church, hopefully parishioners will find me more approachable and understanding of their situation. In turn, I can help address their problem and direct them to the resources they need.
Society generally views faith communities as safe places.
While this is true, it is questionable whether people in domestic violence situations will seek help in their church or if they will find people who know how to help if they do. One of the roadblocks that Hartsook and other clergy encounter when addressing violence with their parishioners is scripture. Using religious teachings to justify abuse is wrong. Instead, prayer and religion should be used as a tool to provide guidance on respectful, peaceful relationships. The Anoka County Faith Community Peace Initiative, which began in October, will continue to develop training and materials that eventually will be available for use throughout the state and nation.