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Fear not: Seek peace

Home shouldn't be a place that hurts

MCC resources on domestic violence and sexual abuse


If news of sexual assault in your neighborhood, state or nation weigh heavily on your heart, the prayers at abuse.mcc.org may help you lift your heart toward God.

Understanding sexual abuse by a church leader or caregiver  (20-page booklet)
Abuse: Response and prevention -- a guide for church leaders (32-page booklet)

What can my congregation do?

  • **New!** Wallet-size cards with tips on how to support survivors of domestic violence now available for free. Available in either English or Spanish from your nearest MCC office.
  • Sign the church pledge: Promoting peace at home- Promoviendo la paz en el hogar: Compromiso de la iglesia
    • Post the pledge in your church or on your congregation’s website, as a public declaration of the commitment to peace in all areas of life. 
    • Use it as a check list to evaluate what your congregation is doing well and what additional steps you might want to take.
    • Sign up with others in order to receive updates, share experiences and work together on addressing domestic violence.
  • Make the Home Shouldn't be a Place that Hurts brochures available. Many congregations place them in bathroom stalls where they can be picked up safely and anonymously, in private.
  • Use the worship resources available online. There are many prayers, as well as faith reflections, along with a major section on prevention steps.
  • Discuss the Created Equal booklet in small groups or Sunday School classes, to address some of the underlying theological and biblical questions which often are used to support domestic violence.
  • Read about how public policies can better support those who experience domestic violence in the fall 2011 issue of the Washington Memo.

 

Introduction to campaign

Do not fear, for I am with you. –Isaiah 41:10a

Waiting in exile God’s people were reassured, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” These words still resonate powerfully today. We live in a world of fear—fear of death, fear of personal assault, fear of terrorism and losing what we have.

Some level of fear is healthy. It keeps us from doing unwise things and grows out of concern for our own safety and the protection of those we love. But it must not become an idol and keep us from experiencing the abundant life God desires for us.

The Bible offers us an alternative way of understanding security, promising that God is present with us. Because of this we need not live in fear and can put our trust in God, rather than in human rulers or weapons.

This MCC U.S. campaign provides educational materials, worship and advocacy resources focused on domestic violence, gun violence and U.S. militarism.

Join us as we explore ways to seek peace in our homes, communities and world.

En español

Homes

Domestic violence involves someone hurting or degrading another in order to gain control over them. It may be emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual, and often occurs in a pattern which is regular and repeated.    

Communities

Gun violence is epidemic in the United States. With approximately 30,000 gun deaths each year, the church says “it doesn’t have to be this way. We can do something.” Will you help us turn the tide?

World

The United States is the world’s military superpower. With U.S. military bases in more than 150 countries, the U.S. spends more on its military than nearly all other nations of the world combined. Ironically, we still live in fear.