changed over the years regarding the issue?

Yes, there has been some positive changes. There are counselors available to pastors and their wives. These do not have to be 'in-house' counselors. The conference committee is not privy to this information.

The GC passed a Sab. for observance of Domestic Violence. I forget which month it is in. Since our church is very small it is not observed here but larger churches I would hope were aware of it.

Some of the larger churches have workshops and seminars for DV issues. Some conf. pres. are allowing their women's ministries to address DV within the christian home.

A few are acknowledging Polly's Place safe houses. It does seem to me though that the conferences that are willing to be aware of these houses are more back East than in the Calif. area. I haven't heard of any SDA safe houses here.

This is some of the positive developments. But there is still more that needs to be done. We are a long way in our church from careing for the abused in a sensitive and loving way. We are a long way from seeing that pastors and leaders are watched by their employers and disciplined correctly.

Virginia

Thank you Gail for asking this question as it was important to us when we were writing resources for this book. In going to meetings like the local Ministerial Association, we want to provide accurate and constructive information. I feel good about how our Churches are starting to “Break the Silence”, and open up the “Church Family Secret”.

A) Two areas that are encouraging to me are: 1. The Adventist Review has published at least two articles on domestic violence in the last year. Our Denomination is supporting the emphasis of making August the month for Domestic Violence Awareness 2. The Adventist Women’s Ministries is strongly supporting the efforts of the brave women such as Mabel Dunbar and many Conference and Local advocates of Women’s Rights to promote and implement education and protection for women.

B) Sadly, it has taken the intervention of Law Enforcement and the Courts to enforce the rights of women and children to be treated like persons and not property of a controlling man. Our Churches should be the leaders in promoting Human Rights and protection of the weaker members of our churches and Homes. History has shown us over and over that there is a perpetrator mentality in too much of our organizational leadership.
’ Bob Coombs