Church in our community | Men of faith: standing against violence

It’s with horror that we see again and again violence perpetrated against females in our society; we mustn’t just close our eyes and think the problem is going to magically disappear.

In this regular column, local church ministers regularly share the Christian perspective on things pertaining to our community.

It’s more than appropriate that we speak on this issue.

History shows that Jesus sparked a revolution in the lives of women and children, forever changing their status in society.

He heard their stories, listened intently to their grief and pains, and proactively brought healing, peace and hope to those most vulnerable.

In a time and place that dictated men should not even speak to women, Jesus engaged in conversation, even vigorous healthy and safe debate, with women.

The gospel accounts record women as Jesus’ most loyal disciples and keen supporters of his teaching.

Emboldened by this seismic shift against cultural norms, women flooded into the emerging church movement.

In the following two millennia, followers committed to Jesus’ teaching have worked diligently to champion the safety and rights of women and children.

Some have even followed Christ’s example by giving their lives for this cause.

You could argue that women’s and children’s rights progressed exponentially under Jesus’ teaching and example.

Hearts that share Jesus’ love and compassion are broken when reports emerge of another life lost in horrific violence.

Some of Jesus’ strongest words were reserved for those who would harm children.

It is almost unthinkable that those who are strong would so harm those who are weak; those that are so in need of our love and protection.

Jesus challenged those with power and strength to be the champion of those who don’t — to lift those who are oppressed and to speak for those who have no voice.

Jesus’ teaching and life displayed what it means to be a ‘true man’.

Gentleness with strength, self-control with joy, Jesus and his followers changed the world with this message that showed men how they can live better.

The church today must challenge men — how can we better serve our families and community? How can we make a meaningful stand against the grievous violence we see around us?

One of the most enduring images at Christmas time, portrayed countless times in art, song and culture, is of the loving mother, Mary, cradling her infant son, Jesus.

Let this image inspire and remind us all to love and protect our women and children.

We unashamedly put the call out to men who identify as Christian (almost one in two of our local community) to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, in loving and caring for all women and children, and ensuring they are in the safest of environments and calling on our God to help us do this.

We call on Christians to hold one another to account on these things, championing the cause of healthy and safe relationships everywhere we go.

May all experience the peace and safety of Jesus at this special time of year.

Jeremy Rensford

Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association.