Description
Presentation abstract:Christian women experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) may have their vulnerability increased and vindication jeopardised through theological barriers to engagement with the criminal justice system. Collaboration between religious leaders and DFV workers is now best practice to address multilayered needs and safety issues. This workshop brings explicit questions of theological and legal justice within that collaboration, positing a conceptualisation of DFV against Christian women in which law and faith are held together. This strengthens the potential for women to engage with the justice system if they so choose, and maximises the restorative potential of pastoral support.
We explore findings from my doctorate, analysing a theological basis on which church leaders can address conceptual barriers and build practical connections between faith and support services. This ensure that justice system participation is viewed as consistent with a ‘faith response’ to DFV. I identify core belief systems that perpetuate divisive and marginalising theological teachings, challenging these with work from theologians T.F and J.B Torrance on human dignity, forgiveness and justice. Their work undergirds a conceptual approach that overcomes destructive categorisations (complementary roles; public/private; sacred/secular) and disconnected, weaponised teachings which all trap women in violent marriages. In turn, this informs a conceptual framework for collaborative church responses to DFV which integrate law and faith:
1. Conceptualising an integrated, faith-law understanding of DFV
2. Adopting integrated, covenantal understandings of faith teachings, including justice, repentance and restoration.
3. Recognising congruence within faith and legal concepts
4. Centring integrated responses with churches, support services and the justice system.
| Period | 2 Sept 2024 → 3 Sept 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Faith Hope and Love: Creating a Future Free from Violence : Anglican Church of Australia Families and Culture Commission & Common Grace Australia |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Melbouirne, Australia, VictoriaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |