Holding the Light

You are invited to:

Holding the Light
An Ecumenical Service remembering Victims and Survivors of Family & Domestic Violence.

Date: Thursday 28 November 2024    Time: 5pm
Location: Wesley Church Melbourne, 136 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Now in its ninth year, the service is invitational and held in a spirit of welcome. While it is held within the Christian tradition, it is open to anyone who might wish to join together and take part in a ritual and is a time for anyone to engage in a period of quiet, lament, and prayer/reflection on the tragic results of violence and in hope for a better future for our communities.

We remember those killed as a result of domestic violence by naming them, and by tolling a bell
We stand in solidarity with victim survivors by recognising their pain, and listening to their voices
We take time to reflect and commit ourselves to addressing the drivers of violence in our own attitudes, communities and contexts
We take hope in the Christian message that all may be healed and redeemed, while acknowledging the ongoing trauma, suffering and danger experienced by so many in our communities due to the ongoing use of violence and abuse.

Speakers: Oliver Slewa and Hanna Craven.

• Oliver Slewa was until recently working in the position of Family and Domestic Violence project officer. The aim of the project was “to recognise and increase awareness of family and domestic violence in churches and to develop skills for clergy and lay leaders to respond when instances of family and domestic violence become known.” Oliver was born into an Assyrian family in Baghdad, Iraq, against a backdrop of constant conflict. He is a Deacon in the Assyrian Church of the East, a lawyer with extensive experience working at Legal Aid as well as, on a voluntary basis. He has worked with groups of men who are newly arrived refugees, with a focus on family relationships in a new country. Oliver was the winner of the NSW Humanitarian Awards 2023 in the Government and Legal category
• Revd Dr Hannah Craven is Associate Lecturer in Christian Thought at Ridley College. Her doctoral thesis presents a framework for an evangelical feminist approach to the Bible. Her research focus includes Feminist Theology and Biblical Interpretation, Trauma and Theology,

Oliver and Hannah will engage in conversation about gendered-violence and why the church and community need to be especially aware of and responsive to gendered-violence.

To register, please click here. 

Enquiries: Kate Stilwell

Please note that a photographer may be present at this service. Should you wish not to be photographed, please notify the photographer.