Domestic violence 'not in my church'

So kudos to the Center for Women and Families and Mayor Fischer for breaking the silence on this "nagging problem in Louisville." A nagging problem for me is the silence of religious leaders on this subject. While we speak openly about same-sex marriage, immigrant reform and abortion rights, most clergy never preach a sermon on domestic violence. According to a survey by IMA World Health Organization and Sojourners, "an overwhelming majority of faith leaders surveyed (74 percent), underestimate the level of violence in their congregations."

 

Believing it will never happen in my church we deny and dismiss disclosures. But credible statistics say domestic violence cuts across class, race and religion. That means that about 25 percent of any congregation is composed of victims, offenders and survivors whenever a sermon is preached.